Register
Simple enough. Be sure you register on time. Furthermore, be sure to show up everyday. Even if you are nervous, still show up and take the exam. If you think you failed the first day, still show up for the second day. You are better off having a finished exam.
Make a Schedule
Make a plan of what you will do each day. Breaking up the studying and staying organized will help you to better prepare. Each day leading up to the exam should include something bar related to keep your mind actively focused. It is also important to include a few breaks in your schedule each day to refresh both your mind and give your body a break.
Study the Right Way
The best way to study for the bar:
- Study real questions – find questions that have been used in the past on the actual exam.
- Find a quiet place – go to a library, a room in your home, or even go to a hotel.
- Don’t over study – just like a muscle, you can overwork your mind. Know your limit.
- Know your learning style – know yourself and how you learn, study in a way that best suites your learning style.
Try Anxiety Management Techniques
Everyone gets stressed while both taking and studying for the bar. There are a few techniques to try that may help manage anxiety.
- Inhale for 2 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale. Repeat a few times.
- Count to 10 slowly. Count to a higher number if needed or try counting backwards as well.
- Identify and eliminate stressors. Don’t eliminate the exam, but try to identify other things, or more specific things, that trigger anxiety for you and remove them when possible.
- Accept that you are anxious. It has been found that simply stating to yourself that you accept your anxiety, your condition can improve.
- Go to your happy place. It may sound cliché, but using calming visualizations can help to calm anxious thoughts.
- Use a mantra. Choose a word or sound, such as “Om,” to repeat to yourself for meditation. Mantras often have a calming effect.
- Aromatherapy has been shown to be effective for some people as well, use calming scents such as lavender or patchouli.
Consider Your Health
Mind health is correlated to physical health; both physical and mental health need to be in good condition for optimal performance of the mind. A few considerations are:
- Nutrition
- Make sure you are getting all of your nutrients. Energy drinks and supplements do not substitute meals.
- Avoid caffeine when possible as it can trigger and enhance anxiety.
- Eat fruit when studying, or before the exam. Fruit offers natural energy from the sugar within, and can be some of the best foods for your brain.
- Sleep
- Get 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is crucial for memory retention and concentration. Studying sans sleep is pointless.
- Positivity
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- A positive mindset can increase motivation and keep anxiety down. Reinforce your mindset with positive affirmations. Avoid being around negative people.
