5 Ways to Reduce Stress and Ace Your Exam

The OB/GYN board exams can make even the most intelligent women’s health experts anxious. While taking these tests gives OB/GYN professionals an opportunity to show their expertise, preparing for them can be stressful. While you’re conducting OBGYN board review prep, keep the following stress reduction tips in mind to help keep you focused and feeling confident about the exam.

Change Study Locations

Moving to a different place to review material and prepare for these exams can help refresh the brain. If you’re starting to have trouble focusing on what you are studying, just move to another room or go to a local coffee shop or library for a change of scenery. Sometimes that is all you need to help improve concentration.

Set Aside Time for Meditation

Meditation can improve focus, reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Setting aside time to meditate, even if you only have five minutes to spare, can help calm pre-test nerves and anxiety and restore focus. Anyone taking the OB/GYN CME board exams can benefit from leaving time to meditate on the day of the test in addition to working in a few meditation sessions while preparing for the exam. These meditation sessions can be as simple as focusing on breathing for short periods of time or sitting still for longer amounts of time.

Get Some Exercise

Being physically active can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Working out results in the release of endorphins, which can lead to a more positive mood and improved blood flow to the brain. Try going for brisk walks each day or a more intense workout with your favorite fitness equipment. Other forms of exercise that promote relaxation include swimming, yoga and jogging.

Take a Warm Shower

Taking a hot shower is a simple way to reduce stress before your exams. The warm water improves blood flow throughout your body, which can help ease muscle tension and other physical symptoms associated with stress. A warm shower can also be soothing to the mind, making it easier to focus on preparing for the board exams.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Although test anxiety can make it hard to have an appetite, it’s important that you eat a healthy breakfast before heading to the testing location. Taking the time to have something nutritious — whole grain cereal, oatmeal with fruit, eggs, etc. — can ensure a high level of concentration during exams.

The OB/GYN CME board exams are coming up quickly, so make sure you set aside time to prepare. If you did not have a chance to attend one of our live OBGYN board review conferences, browse through our selection of online and audio courses.