Admit it, studying exam material is a stressful activity, even in the best of conditions. So, how big is your difficulty if you have to study when you are sick? The impact will certainly not be too pronounced if the illness does not prevent you from reading books. But what if you really need to take a break and have a hard time finding time to study? Try reading this article to make the necessary preparations and apply the best methods so that the learning process can continue without sacrificing your health!
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Method 1 of 3: Studying Materials Effectively
Step 1. Summarize or record the information you read
Because someone who is sick will spend more time resting, use the most effective and efficient study techniques to maximize the study time you have and increase your percentage of success. One method of wise learning is by writing. In other words, try to write down all the keywords and summarize the concepts being taught in your own words, then observe the results which are actually more effective than simply reading the material or reviewing it aloud.
It's best to use a pen or pencil to record information manually. Research shows that writing information manually can maximize the brain's ability to understand and remember information, when compared to typing it using a laptop
Step 2. Use active learning methods
Research shows that doing practice questions or studying with aids such as flashcards (information cards) can work more effectively than simply reading a theory book or notes. In addition to being more like the format of the exam you'll be taking later, this activity will also force your brain to remember, synthesize, and process information instead of simply reading or repeating it.
Step 3. Try to stimulate more than one sense to understand important information better
Remember, everyone has a different way, and uses the senses, to learn information. To improve your cognitive abilities and remember information, try to engage as many of your senses as you can while studying!
For example, read and summarize the material you noted down, then ask and answer relevant questions aloud. If these steps are followed properly, you are actually processing information through visual, tactile and auditory methods. As a result, you have touched on the method that best suits your way of learning, while understanding the concepts being taught better
Step 4. Set realistic goals
Learning activities will actually feel easier if they are divided into several sessions, each of which focuses on a particular material. Since you're sick, realistically identify things you can achieve. Divide your study into short sessions, and allow your body to rest between sessions.
- For example, study sessions can be broken down chronologically by studying the material for one or two meetings in one session, or thematically by studying a particular formula or concept in one session.
- Focus on one topic or material in each session! Doing several things at the same time will not only stress your body and mind, it will also not be very effective to implement.
Step 5. Take regular breaks
In fact, the body can easily feel tired when you are sick. In addition, fatigue can also interfere with your ability to study effectively. Therefore, don't hesitate to take a break to relax and rest your body regularly to ensure your body's health is maintained and your body's performance does not exceed its limits. In addition, taking breaks can also help maintain your focus while studying.
- Even if you're not sick, it's a good idea to take a break every 25 to 50 minutes to recharge your concentration. At each break, stop studying for 5 to 15 minutes so your body and brain can recover and function better afterward.
- If you are sick, always remember that studying with focus in a short time will be much more beneficial than studying for a long time with not optimal focus. That's why studying in short intervals has proven to be more effective than studying for too long.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing to Study Effectively
Step 1. Consider the seriousness of your illness
Certain diseases and/or medications can cause symptoms that make it difficult for you to learn, such as intense pain or drowsiness. If you're in a similar situation, feel free to prioritize health over test scores and have a realistic mindset about what results can, and cannot, be achieved. Alternatively, even if you feel drained of energy, at least you can still read material, answer questions online, or use other methods of learning.
- Tell the teacher as soon as possible if you have to be absent from class because of illness. Generally, email is the preferred method of communication for teachers because it feels more professional.
- If your condition really doesn't allow you to take the exam, most educational institutions won't mind holding a follow-up exam. To get this permission, you usually have to first ask for an official letter from a doctor to verify your illness.
Step 2. Have a positive mental attitude and behavior
Someone who is sick will generally view studying as a useless activity and will only increase anxiety before the exam. Instead of thinking that way, try adopting a positive mindset (such as reminding yourself to do your best even when you're not feeling well), and discarding a destructive thought pattern (such as, "Ugh, I'm so sick I can't take the exam." well"). As a result, you can pass difficult times better.
Remember, the material you learn will definitely be useful, no matter how small it is. Therefore, it is better to study as much as you can, instead of giving up or not learning at all
Step 3. Create a conducive learning environment
In order for the learning process to take place more effectively, eliminate all possible distractions, especially if you are sick and already disturbed by the symptoms that appear. Take the time to set up a learning environment that is comfortable, conducive, and equipped with everything needed to minimize distractions.
- Reduce distractions. Find a place away from the crowds, then turn off cell phones, televisions, and other electronics that you don't need while studying.
- Take care of your comfort. Do not study in bed so that the body is not sleepy, but still choose a comfortable position to relax during the learning process. Do this so that the body does not feel more painful or uncomfortable when you are sick.
- Study in a bright room. Even if you're not sick, poor lighting can trigger headaches and eye fatigue. In addition to preventing these symptoms from getting worse, you also have to avoid situations that are prone to making the body sleepy when studying, right?
- Prepare all the necessary equipment to overcome the symptoms that arise. For example, prepare a tissue box and a trash can if your nose keeps running noses when you have a cold. Also keep a bottle of cough syrup, medicine, water and snacks on the table so you don't have to go out of your room to pick it up while studying.
Step 4. Eat a healthy and balanced diet
As much as the temptation to eat fast food while studying, don't do it! Although your appetite will decrease when you are sick, and even though most foods will taste bad on your tongue, still force yourself to eat healthy and balanced foods so that the body's nutritional and energy needs are properly met.
- Avoid foods that are too sweet and oily because they can lower your energy. Instead, eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
- If you don't run the risk of exacerbating your disease, make sure you eat as much fiber-rich carbohydrate sources as possible, such as oatmeal and whole grains. Besides being beneficial for health, these food sources have also been shown to be able to maintain brain sharpness when learning, especially because the brain will use the glucose content in carbohydrates to remember and store information.
Step 5. Drink as much clear liquids as possible, especially water
Doing so can help your body stay hydrated, keep your immune system in good shape, and replace fluids lost when you cough or blow your nose.
Avoid alcohol which can dehydrate your body and will further impair your learning ability
Step 6. Don't drink too much caffeine
Diseases such as flu or fever have been shown to reduce brain acuity, worsen mood, slow down body reactions, disrupt the brain's ability to process information, and decrease the brain's ability to remember. All of these symptoms can be overcome by consuming caffeine in low doses, such as those found in a small glass of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks.
Because caffeine can make the body dehydrated, don't forget to accompany it by consuming clear, caffeine-free fluids as much as possible. For example, if you drink a glass of tea, don't forget to accompany it with a glass of water
Step 7. Don't forget to take the necessary medications and vitamins
Someone who is sick generally will also have a fever and feel pain that can disrupt their focus when studying. If you're in a similar situation, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever at the pharmacy to ease your symptoms. In addition, take vitamins to strengthen your immune system and increase your energy.
- For example, try taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or paracetamol to relieve pain and fever. Meanwhile, you can take cold medicine to reduce mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and treat sore throat. Make sure you only take drugs that do not cause drowsiness, yes!
- Always pay attention to the warning label on the drug package and follow the dosage instructions listed. Never take medication or vitamins more than the prescribed dose!
Step 8. Rest as much as possible
While it may be tempting to stay up all night before the exam, understand that this behavior will only make your pain worse and worsen your performance on the exam. Remember, your body needs adequate rest to restore the cells in it and repair its immune system!
Lack of sleep will also make your symptoms worse. In particular, lack of sleep can reduce the brain's ability to think and retain information for four days, which of course will reduce the effectiveness of studying and worsen your test scores
Method 3 of 3: Seek External Help
Step 1. Inform your parents about your illness
Informing your parents, guardians, or other close people about your illness is a step that should not be ignored, especially if you have to take an exam when your health condition is not really good. Trust me, they can provide the help and support you need in this difficult situation.
For example, parents can help make your study environment more comfortable. In addition, they can also help find a doctor or share the situation with the relevant teacher or administrative officer
Step 2. Go to the doctor
This step, of course, you must do when you are sick. However, in relation to the exam, you will most likely have to ask for a doctor's letter to obtain a special dispensation. In addition, you can also consult with a doctor about whether or not to take a follow-up exam if viewed from the seriousness of the disease.
Most educational institutions have their own health services. In other words, you don't have to go to the trouble of looking for a doctor and verifying your illness if requested by the teacher or administrative officer. In addition, most educational institutions also have academic advisors who can help you make plans related to the exam
Step 3. Contact your teacher
If your doctor thinks that the disease can interfere with your performance on the exam, immediately share this information with your teacher or exam supervisor. Even if they won't necessarily allow you to skip the exam, at least keep them informed to ask for advice or discuss the possibility of taking a follow-up exam.
- The faster the information is conveyed, the better the results. If it's only a few minutes before the exam, it's likely that you'll be considered making up an excuse to be absent from the exam. Therefore, convey the news ahead of time so that your teacher has time to respond and provide assistance.
- Just send a simple email that says, “Dear. Professor Chan, I was recently diagnosed with pneumonia by a doctor. Concerned that the disease will interfere with my performance when taking the exam on Tuesday, may I ask permission to take the follow-up exam? Or, does the Professor have any other more relevant suggestions? Thank you."
Step 4. Check the policies of your educational institution
If you feel that your condition could negatively affect your test results or scores, try contacting the administration staff to find out their policy regarding students who are unable to take an exam due to illness. Sometimes, the administrative officer has more detailed knowledge of the institution's rules than your teacher. Even if they can't answer your question directly, at least they can connect you to a more appropriate party.
Tips
- Ask for support and help if you need it. Pain is not fun, you know! Therefore, let someone else lend a helping hand to make the process easier for you.
- To increase your confidence while studying, make sure that you actually remember quite a lot of information so far. In other words, you no longer need to learn something new, but simply review old information while studying.
Warning
- If your body feels sleepy while you are studying in pain, don't rule out sleep! Remember, your body is actually sending a signal to ask for rest. After all, after waking up, you can always come back to study in a fresher state, right?
- Always put your health above all else! Remember, taking care of your health is much more important than doing a good test.
- All the methods listed in this article can only be applied if the disease you are suffering from is general and temporary. If you have a serious, life-threatening, or chronic illness, “learning” shouldn't be at the top of your priority list!
