A good article for self-enrichment (especially for those in the studying/training profession)

Hi everyone,

As everyone knows, we manage one of the largest e-learning systems in Singapore. I stumbled upon, while moderating on one of forums on our e-learning platforms that we managed, a posting by a student stressed by an upcoming test. I find the lecturer's answer awesome and I would like to share it with all of you. As e-learning facilitators, you may wish to post this on your e-learning forums to encourage your students, trainees, learners or whatever…

The question posted by the student was:
"I have a huge test coming up and I have been studying till my brain feels like exploding. Is there any way to beat the stress I am feeing?" (by "Marg N")

The answer from the lecturer is a real classic and it is worth sharing. Here's his reply to the forum post (by "Dr J"):

First, a mini-lesson on how your brain works...
Whatever you are studying, gets sorted and stored in the upper part of the brain (the neocortex). But to access that info, you have to get thru the brain's chemical gateways in the centre of the brain (the limbic system). That's where all the emotional stuff is controlled by 5 glands. If you are stressed during (or while studying for) a test, you get anxious, worried, fearful, etc - and then that gateway to access the stored info will close. It's called "downshifting." If you get REALLY terrified (like, if you think your life practically depends on this test), you can downshift even farther, into the base of the brain ("reptilian") where you will operate in a bare survival mode. And that test? You will not be able to remember anything - until you walk out, and then it might all come back in a chemical "whoosh."

So, the solution:
1) Remember that no test is likely to be a matter of life and death - even if it is a critical test, your entire future does not depend on the results.
2) Breathe! The best way to get those chemicals to chill out and let you have access to your higher thinking processes is to give that brain some oxygen, and to relax as much as you can. Deep breaths!
3) Find some fun ways to study - if you are into music, set some of the hard stuff to a tune that you can sing to. If you like art, do some symbolic representation of the main ideas. If you like to move, then study while dancing around or shooting baskets by plotting each move or basket with a key-subject pointer. You'll be more relaxed, have more oxygen going, and will retain more.
4) The night before the test, stop studying and get a good night's sleep - it's the best way for your brain to catalog what it has taken in.
5) Remember to eat breakfast as food is another stimulant for the brain. And…
6) Enjoy the fact that you have a brain, a computer, school, and whatever else - life is good, you are fine, regardless of this or any other test!

AWESOME… isn't this ?

Cheers.

Source(s): Paul McLean (Triune Brain); Howard Gardner (Multiple Intelligences); Martin Seligman (Positive Psychology); Jupiter Innovations' Jovian Academy (Student's Forum)