Getting physical exercise through activities like walking or jogging improves oxygen circulation to the brain and keeps it functioning at an optimum level. Eating foods like fatty fish, B vitamins, and protein-rich foods can also boost brain function. Taking breaks of 20 minutes every 40 minutes of studying is most effective for revision. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night allows the brain to cement in new information and maximizes performance. Staying hydrated by drinking 1.5-2.5 liters of water daily and limiting alcohol intake also supports optimal brain function.

1. How to boost your brain Get Sweaty One of the best ways to revise effectively is to run away from your desk. Working up a sweat keeps your brain, as well as your body, in shape. Our grey matter needs a lot of oxygen to keep it working to it optimum level. Physical exercise such as walking or jogging improves oxygen circulation to the brain.

2. How to boost your brain Feed Your Brain Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as sardines and tuna and available as supplements, are thought to improve cognitive abilities and mood. The B vitamins may also have brain-boosting properties. One good source is marmite. Scientists suggest that fish and other protein-rich foods help raise levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenalin, which maintain good communication between brain cells.

3. How to boost your brain Rock On Listening to a good tune can boost your learning and concentration. It has been found that both classical and rock music improved memory and concentration.

4. How to boost your brain Do a Mental Workout Brain cells work only on a “use it or lose it” policy, and brain teasers such as Sudoku and crosswords are thought to improve memory and concentration

5. How to boost your brain Go Lavender The smell of lavender boosts concentration, especially in the afternoon. Studies have shown that people exposed to the aroma of lavender during a break before work had higher concentration levels afterwards than those who didn’t. Scientists think that lavender’s sedative effects could ensure that people relax at break-time and go back to their desks with clear minds.

6. How to boost your brain Take a Break Pace your revision. According to a Cardiff University report, studying for more than 40 minutes at a time is counterproductive. The authors say: “The number of facts that can be retained drops dramatically after 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, take a 20-minute break. You will be in good shape to work for another 40 minutes.”

7. How to boost your brain Sleep On It Not only is getting enough sleep important but it’s also useful to take in information before you nod off. Studies report that sleep-deprivation kills creative and decision-making skills, so aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night to maximise brain performance. Investigators found that learning something before you nod off cements it in the brain.

8. How to boost your brain Drink Water Our brains are 80 percent water, so dehydration is bad news for your brain. A recent study suggests that our brains physically shrink when we become dehydrated. The British Dietetic Association recommends drinking between 1.5l and 2.5l of fluids a day.

9. How to boost your brain Cut Down On Booze If you want your brain to perform at its peak, cut down on the sauce. Its impact on the brain lasts longer than a hangover has passed. Drinking affects the hippocampus, the area of the brain vital for learning and memory.