At LogicPrep, we love comparing test prep to physical activities such as marathons and sprints. Such activities require a lot of physical and mental training. Likewise, hard work, motivation, and consistency are keywords in test prep and applying for college. Nevertheless, failing to understand that more is not always better and too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing is a problem for both athletes and students.
The bottom line is that we talk a lot about performance and how hard work helps to improve your test scores, but the other side of the coin is just as important: knowing when and how to give yourself a break.
Experienced athletes take planned breaks as part of their training. So why can’t students do the same and take planned breaks from their test prep? Is it because they tend to mistake rest for laziness? Or are they simply ignoring the power of rest on performance and test prep?
Like muscle strength, our brain and cognitive function suffers fatigue, and the best way to prevent it is by resting. Through rest we rebuild, rewire, and renew ourselves.
here are 5 tips to help you plan your rest properly:
Rest should happen not only during school vacation but also throughout the academic year. Make sure that you get enough sleep and build leisure time into your routine.
Always listen to your Instructors and Advisors when they advise you to skip a practice test session to work on past mistakes or to simply take a break.
Build a break into your testing routine. After you take your next real standardized test, it’s ok to take a week off. This should help you recharge your batteries.
Never take more than one full practice test per week. There is no academic benefit on doing so, and it stresses your brain.
And, of course, don’t forget to exercise and do something you really enjoy doing during your free time!