Recovering during the breaks?

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Recovering during the breaks?

by mikola » Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:38 am
Hi everybody,

I'm going to take my GMAT soon. I feel that I get tired very fast while proceeding with the test.

Looking for some ideas about what to eat, drink or do during the breaks in order to recharge the brains. :?:
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Re: Recovering during the breaks?

by gabriel » Sun Oct 05, 2008 1:24 am
mikola wrote:Hi everybody,

I'm going to take my GMAT soon. I feel that I get tired very fast while proceeding with the test.

Looking for some ideas about what to eat, drink or do during the breaks in order to recharge the brains. :?:
Actually it depends on the test center you are in. In the test center I was in (In Mumbai, India) we were not allowed to carry anything to eat or drink into the test center. The only thing you could do during the breaks was drink a glass of water and may be wash you face in the bathroom. If you are allowed to take stuff inside, then I guess red bull or any sort of energy drink should do the trick.

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by amitdgr » Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:36 am
THIS IS NOT MY STRATEGY ... I GOT IT FROM SOMEWHERE....... I LOVE THE DIVER'S REFLEX PART.


A good thing to do during the break is to go to the bathroom, even if you need not. You will get some rest, won't be staring at the computer screen, and will get occupied with some simple thoughts such as jamming zipper or a stain on your shirt.

One trick that helps is getting some cold water on your face and esp. temples. This is known as a diver's reflex. God or the Mother Nature (whoever you believe it was) has taken some precaution to save us in case we, humans, drop in the water. As the result, when your face hits the water, the brain gives an alert to the body and slows down metabolism and other body functions, about 50%! Thus freeing up to 50% more oxygen for the brain to use up, thus allowing us to stay under water longer. Of course this is no way of getting a high score on the GMAT, but it will help to flush the brain a bit, a little reset button if you wish.

Get some food, a sugary drink, and some water with you to the testing center. It is better to have more. You never know how you will be feeling, so try to be prepared to anything; often when nervous, the stomach gets mind of its own. Good nutrition for several days before the test is also preferable; it lets you be physically well and enhances endurance.
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by Toph@GMAT_REBOOT » Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:22 am
I drank water during both breaks (but not too much). I ate dark chocolate and almonds during the first break. I had the same plus a banana during the second break. I felt pretty good and even throughout (aside from anxiousness to be done with the exam near the end of the verbal section).

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by VP_Jim » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:57 pm
I agree with the splashing cold water on your face strategy. I do this and I find that it really wakes me up and refreshes me for the next section.

My other strategy is a little weirder: I go outside and run around the block. Yes, honestly. I find that the exercise and fresh air clear my head and when combined with splashing water on my face really get me ready for the rest of the test. Of course, I run almost every day, so I don't know if I'd recommend this to you if you don't usually exercise - I wouldn't want you pulling a muscle!

Good luck!
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by wickely » Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:47 pm
Another thumbs up for splashing cold water on your face. I once had to do this on a long drive. I could barely keep my eyes open. I stopped, splashed the cold water on, drank some cold water, and perked up.

But also bring brain- and energy-boosting snacks. An apple is GREAT for a quick perk (try it one day while you're falling asleep at your desk, and you will be impressed with the results). I usually follow it with a granola bar or some other carb, because for some reason apples make me hungry.

In general, go easy on the carbs because they will make you sleepy and affect concentration. If your test is in the morning, have eggs, a piece of toast, and some fruit or fruit juice for breakfast. If your test is in the afternoon, have a tuna sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch. I have found that if I have a bagel in the morning or pasta at lunch I am dragging hard, but with a higher protein meal, I am alert and mentally really sharp. I do my best thinking then.

Don't do the energy drink thing, though, or especially anything like a Red Bull. They can make you hyper and the crash can be wicked. A good quick burst is peanut M&Ms...just enough sugar to perk you up, protein to balance it out, and fat to keep hunger at bay.

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by amitdgr » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:35 pm
wickely wrote:Another thumbs up for splashing cold water on your face. I once had to do this on a long drive. I could barely keep my eyes open. I stopped, splashed the cold water on, drank some cold water, and perked up.

But also bring brain- and energy-boosting snacks. An apple is GREAT for a quick perk (try it one day while you're falling asleep at your desk, and you will be impressed with the results). I usually follow it with a granola bar or some other carb, because for some reason apples make me hungry.

In general, go easy on the carbs because they will make you sleepy and affect concentration. If your test is in the morning, have eggs, a piece of toast, and some fruit or fruit juice for breakfast. If your test is in the afternoon, have a tuna sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch. I have found that if I have a bagel in the morning or pasta at lunch I am dragging hard, but with a higher protein meal, I am alert and mentally really sharp. I do my best thinking then.

Don't do the energy drink thing, though, or especially anything like a Red Bull. They can make you hyper and the crash can be wicked. A good quick burst is peanut M&Ms...just enough sugar to perk you up, protein to balance it out, and fat to keep hunger at bay.
Nice tips. Are we allowed to carry eatables into the test centre ?
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