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From Collegiate Presswire (http://www.cpwire.com): Education CHICAGO--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--April 17, 2006--College students gearing up for finals are constantly looking for ways to enhance studying and ease exam-related stress. "Today, many students feel overwhelming pressure to study intensely and achieve high test scores," says Suzanne Podhurst, senior editor, The Princeton Review, "and while experiencing a little stress can keep students on their toes, choosing poor stress-management techniques can ultimately work against academic goals. Uncovering ways to prepare and control stress effectively can have a positive impact on students' study habits and test-taking success." What students may not know is that research has shown that chewing gum helps to relieve stress and tension and helps increase focus and concentration, which is especially relevant for studying and test-taking this time of year. In fact, research has found that chewing gum stimulates certain areas of the brain (as measured by EEG) which may have a relationship to reducing tension. Further, a study conducted in 2002 (1) showed that chewing gum appeared to improve people's ability to retain and retrieve information. "Chewing gum while performing memory tests can increase memory substantially" says Andrew Scholey, PhD, CPsychol, professor, Division of Psychology, University of Northumbria, UK, who has studied the effect of chewing gum on memory. The study experts at The Princeton Review suggest students follow these tips while preparing for final exams: * Say "no" to cramming: Most exams test students on knowledge accumulated over the past year or semester; and trying to cram information the night before can contribute to even more stress. Begin preparation in advance and take the night before the test off to relax. * Find the right time to study: Students should experiment with different times of day to find their optimal study time, when they are alert and ready to concentrate-and then they should stick to studying at that time. * Create a calming and productive atmosphere: An effective study area should have good lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair, and a space large enough to spread out materials. Listening to one's favorite music also helps. * In the clear: Take a brisk walk the morning of the test and try deep breathing exercises pre-test and during the test itself to clear the head. * Chew gum: The gum experts at Wrigley recommend chewing gum to help relieve stress and tension and to help increase focus and concentration during studying and test-taking. An added bonus, it also is a low-calorie substitute for "mindless munching" when studying or stressed. * Brain Fuel: Since exams are mental marathons, bring a few healthy snacks (i.e., fruit or a granola bar) to ensure the brain and body are performing at optimal levels throughout the test. About The Princeton Review About the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (WWY) (1) Wilkinson L., Scholey A., Wesness K. "Chewing gum selectively improves memory in healthy volunteers." Appetite. 2002 June; 38 (3): 235-236. Contact: or Kelly McGrail © Copyright 2007 Collegiate Presswire, Inc. and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company |