Passing Your Exams with Serenity : Practical and Spiritual Advice

Exams represent a crucial stage in academic life. Adequate preparation, combined with stress management techniques and, for those who wish, a spiritual dimension, can maximise the chances of success. Here is a comprehensive guide to accompany you through this important period.

1. Organisation and planning

• Establish a revision schedule: Plan your revisions in advance. Use tools like diaries, planning boards or apps like Trello or Notion to organise your timetable. Identify the subjects with high coefficients and those you're least comfortable with so you can give them more time.
• Set realistic goals: Break down your revision into daily or weekly goals. For example, ‘finish chapter 5 of maths by Friday’ or ‘revise 10 vocabulary sheets a day.’
• Create a conducive working environment: A well-organised, quiet and distraction-free workspace is crucial. Make sure you have all the necessary materials to hand: books, notebooks, pens, computer, etc. Natural lighting is preferable, but if that's not possible, opt for a desk lamp with white light.

2. Effective revision techniques

• Use a variety of methods: Alternate revision techniques to maintain your concentration and memorise better. Active reading, where you ask questions about the text, can be combined with mind maps to visualise concepts. Quizzes and case studies allow you to test your knowledge in a practical way.
• Take regular breaks: The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) is an effective method for maintaining high concentration. Breaks allow your brain to rest and assimilate information better.
• Active revision: Explain the concepts studied to another person. This reinforces your understanding and allows you to check that you have assimilated the concepts correctly. Taking part in revision groups can also be beneficial for exchanging ideas and working methods.

3. Stress management

• Relaxation techniques: Sophrology, meditation and breathing exercises are powerful tools for reducing stress. The 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold breath for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds) is particularly effective in calming anxiety.
• Physical activity: Regular physical activity, even moderate such as walking or yoga, helps to reduce stress and improve your mood and concentration.
• Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for good cognitive performance. Try to maintain a regular sleep routine, with 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Avoid screens before bed and prefer relaxing activities such as reading or listening to soothing music.

4. Nutritional advice

• Balanced diet: A diet rich in omega-3s (found in oily fish such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds) and vitamins (fruit and vegetables) is crucial for healthy brain function. Foods rich in iron and antioxidants such as spinach and berries also improve concentration.
• Avoid excitants: Caffeine and sugar can cause energy spikes followed by sudden dips, disrupting concentration. Instead, opt for healthy snacks such as dried fruit, plain yoghurt or wholegrain cereal bars.

5. Spiritual dimension

For those who find comfort in faith, here are a few suggestions:

• Prayer to Saint Joseph of Cupertino: Patron saint of students in difficulty. He is often invoked to help overcome academic obstacles.
  ‘O Saint Joseph of Cupertino, who through your prayer obtained everything, help me to obtain the grace to pass my exams.’
• Light a candle: This symbolic gesture can accompany your prayers and bring inner peace. It can also be a moment of meditation and contemplation.
• Other saints to pray to: Saint Rita, known for intervening in desperate causes; Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of students and schools, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who provides comfort and help in times of stress.

6. Exam Day

• Material preparation: The day before the exam, check that you have all the necessary materials: pens, calculator, identity papers, summons, etc. Pack your bag in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Morning routine: On exam day, start with breathing exercises to calm your mind. Light physical activity, such as a few stretches or a short walk, can also help you relax. Eat a balanced breakfast, rich in protein and fibre, to maintain your energy and concentration.
• Self-confidence: Before you set off, briefly re-read your revision sheets to reassure yourself, but don't push yourself too hard. Be confident in your preparation and approach the exam with a positive attitude. Remember that you've done your best to prepare.

7. Useful saints for exam success and stress management

• Saint Joseph of Cupertino: Patron saint of struggling students. He is often invoked for divine help during difficult exams. His prayer is known to bring calm and confidence.
• Saint Rita: Often called the ‘saint of desperate causes’, she is invoked by those facing particularly difficult and stressful situations, including exams.
• St Thomas Aquinas: Patron saint of students and schools, he is a figure of wisdom and knowledge. He is prayed to for the clarity of mind and wisdom needed for studies and exams.
• Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Known for bringing comfort and help in times of stress, she is an inspirational figure for those seeking to maintain their calm and faith during exam periods.
• Saint Expédit: Patron saint of urgent causes, he is often prayed to by those in need of quick success and immediate solutions, which can include exam situations.
• Saint Jude : Patron of hopeless and lost causes, he is invoked to obtain interventions in situations perceived as hopeless, bringing hope and spiritual strength.

Conclusion

Succeeding in your exams requires rigorous preparation, effective stress management and, for those who want it, spiritual support. By combining these elements, you put all the chances on your side to succeed. Good luck to all students!

Prayer for Exams

Lord, At this time of stress and uncertainty, I turn to You to find peace and serenity.

Give me the clarity of mind and concentration I need to make good use of the knowledge I have acquired.

Help me to remain calm and confident in the face of the challenges ahead.

Saint Joseph of Cupertino, you who are the patron saint of students in difficulty, intercede for me with God so that I can pass my exams.

Guide my thoughts and actions so that I can give the best of myself.

Saint Rita, saint of desperate causes, please give me your support in these moments of doubt and stress.

Help me to remain strong and persevering. Lord, grant me the wisdom of Saint Thomas Aquinas to understand and assimilate the subjects studied.

May the peace and tranquility of Saint Therese of Lisieux accompany me during this exam period.

Thank You for all the blessings You have given me and for the support of my family and friends.

Help me to honour You through my efforts and successes.

Amen.