Take your final exam: these tricks really do help

If you have a teenager at home this week – or are about to take a Cambridge exam yourself, then you know: the nerves are on your skin. The season of stress spots, highlighters, and “why did I ever start this?” is officially open. But breathe in, breathe out: it can be different. We have gathered a few simple tricks that really help you prepare. Scientifically sound, with a wink from Erik Scherder (our favorite neuro professor with a passion for the brain and for life).

1. Activate your body, and your mind will follow

The first and perhaps most important tip from Erik Scherder: move! You really don’t have to do a full workout, but a fifteen-minute walk (yes, even if it’s raining) is already gold for your brain. Movement turns your brain “on,” stimulates blood flow, and ensures that you store information better. So come on, step outside between your grammar rules and historical dates.

2. Sleep = learning boost (and mood enhancer)

Sometimes it feels like you have to choose: studying or sleeping. But spoiler: without sleep, you literally learn nothing. Your brain uses the night to ‘organize’ what you cram into your head during the day. So go to bed on time, put your phone on airplane mode and let TikTok take a break. Trust us: you’ll become more attractive and smarter.

3. Vary, because your brain gets bored quickly

Always summarizing or endlessly doing old exams? Don’t do it. Your brain loves variety. Read, talk out loud, make flashcards, ask someone to quiz you, draw mind maps – this activates different parts of your brain. And it just makes it more fun (yes, really).

4. Stress off = focus on

You don’t have to be as zen as a Buddha statue, but a little calm helps. Breathe deeply in and out five times, drink something warm, put on lo-fi beats or listen to something that makes you happy. You don’t always have to be “on.” Time to recharge = time you earn back in concentration.

5. Chewing gum. Yes, really

According to several studies – and also a few TikTokers – chewing gum helps with your concentration. Especially during tests. It’s a bit like your brain thinks: we’re busy, we’re doing something useful, let’s go. No idea why it works, but we’re fans. Tip: take an extra pack in your pencil case.

6. Food = fuel (but no sugar crash please)

That white roll with chocolate spread is tasty (and allowed), but it’s not the best exam breakfast. Your brain prefers to run on stable energy. So: oatmeal, fruit, an egg, whole grain toast, plenty of water. And coffee? Allowed, but not in panic amounts.

7. Music? Only if you know what you’re doing

Music can help you focus, but it has to be the right kind. No lyrics that make your brain want to sing along (bye bye, Beyoncé). Preferably choose instrumental, classical, lo-fi beats or even binaural sounds. And yes, a little Taylor Swift is allowed afterwards.

8. Don’t overthink… everything

You don’t have to be perfect. And you can have a panic moment too. But try to mute that little voice in your head that says: “I can’t do this.” You’ve learned, you’ve practiced, and you’re doing your best. And that’s already a lot. So think: I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to show up.

5 quick tips that really work:

• Plan smart – Not 6 hours straight, but blocks of 45 minutes. With a break.
• Study somewhere else – Kitchen table, library, another desk: new environment = new focus.
• Practice out loud – As if you’re giving a presentation. Then you really hear what you know.
• Visualize – See yourself calmly walking into that classroom, breathing, starting.
• Tell yourself: I’ve got this. – Because that’s just true.

For the parents among us

You get to be the kettle, snack supplier, agenda pointer, and mental cheerleader this week. You don’t have to do it perfectly. A shoulder, a hug, saying once: “I’m proud of you” – that helps more than you think. Just ask the daughter who is taking her Cambridge exam in Alkmaar on Saturday (we’re rooting for her).

External reading tip: More tips from Erik Scherder can be read here.