Regents Exam Survival Guide

School's out for summer! Well, almost.

Before high school students in the Rivertowns hit the beach, barbeques, summer camps and pools, they'll have one more hurdle to face: Regents exams.

It can be hard for students to focus on studying history, English, social studies, and math, especially when attending consecutive testing periods and tempted to drop the books in lieu of some summer fun.

But with plenty of sleep, a good breakfast, and some perspective, teenagers in Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, and Irvington have a pretty good chance of not only acing their tests, but making it to the official last day of school without taking on unnecessary stress.

Patch recently spoke with Dr. Adam Stein of the Rivertowns Center for Attention Psychology in Irvington. A practicing psychologist since 2001, Dr. Stein specializes in working with kids and families.
Here are a few of his suggestions to local teens on how to survive Regents week:

• Keep it All in Perspective

Try not to sweat it; exams will be over before you know it!
Dr. Stein suggests that students, try "not get overwhelmed by the big picture. Focus on whatever the task at hand is."

And don't forget, being overwhelmed "uses up a lot of energy."

• Take Care of Yourself

While it may seem important to be focused and calm during a difficult chemistry exam, Dr. Stein says it's even more integral for teens to maintain "really good self care outside of the exam." This includes getting enough sleep, exercising, eating plenty of high-protein foods, and drinking water.

"You'll be able to regulate yourself more effectively during test time if you're practicing optimum self care," Stein noted.

Inside the testing room, he suggests bringing a snack and a bottle of water if it's allowed.

• Leave the Drama for Your Mama!

Having a fight with your beau? Mad at your parents? Did someone ask you a mean question on Formspring? Try not to sweat it. Dr. Stein says that students maintaining low stress levels are less likely to indulge in partying and staying out late.

"Kids tend to seek out relief when they're under more stress. That could certainly be in the form of drinking and staying out late with their friends. They may want try to escape from pressure instead of handling it effectively," Dr. Stein says.

• Breathe!

"Breathing for relaxation and concentration is helpful," Stein said. He suggests using the "Four Square" breathing technique.
It's easy. Let's try it: inhale four counts, exhale four counts. Inhale four counts, exhale four counts.
See? You're probably calmer already!