How to Relax for the MCAT

Taking the MCAT for medical school is a harrowing, nerve-racking experience. After you have studied all you can study, remind yourself to relax before and during the test. This will not only allow your mind to access the information you need to answer the questions correctly, but will also help you finish each MCAT section within the allotted time. Try the following relaxation techniques before the MCAT as well as in between sections.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To relax for the MCAT, breathe. After you have scribbled all your formulas and notes on the scratch paper and before you hit 'start' on the computer screen, take a few deep, calm breaths into the nose and out from the mouth. Close your eyes for extra relaxation.

2. Arrive early to the MCAT testing site and find a quiet spot to do yoga. Whatever poses help your breathing and relaxation the most are the ones you should do.

3. Close your eyes and meditate. If you already have your own style of meditation, by all means use it. If you don't, find a quiet space and sit comfortably either on the ground or on a chair/bench. Close your eyes and think of nothing. Clear your mind completely and ignore any sounds you hear. Breathe deeply. Give yourself a minute or two before returning to the test room.

4. Once you finish each MCAT section, wipe your mind of any nagging thoughts you have about the passages you just read. You want a clear mind to start anew on the next section.

5. When you walk out of the MCAT testing site during your breaks between sections, rest your eyes on nature -- green nature, to be specific. If you can find a tree with green leaves, a patch of grass, or a single green leaf, focus your eyes on the green. Relax your eyelids and breathe.

6. In between MCAT sections, snack on healthy foods. As you eat, do not ponder on the questions you just answered. Just eat and allow the new glucose to replenish your brain.

7. Hum a soft, calming tune and enjoy the tune. Focus on the tune as if you were humming it to a sleeping baby. Close your eyes if you can't concentrate on the song.

8. Repeat a mantra under your breath. Use any phrase that you want. It can be anything from "I will ace the MCAT" to "easy, clear, free." Take a seat and slowly, calmly, repeat this mantra under your breath for a minute or two.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people like to put their eyes into a soft focus. Try this if closing your eyes doesn't help you relax.
• Do not let your relaxation technique make you late for the start of each MCAT section.

[lydiabily]

on 5/2/2009 Wow! You've covered so many strategies. I never would have thought of humming a soft, calming tune but I love it!

[sonni57]

on 4/6/2009 Good advice on how to relax for the MCAT.