Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/948159
11 2023 EXAM STRESS GUIDE 2. Be realistic about how much time you can aim to spend revising. As a guide, if you divide the week into 21 units (one per morning, afternoon and evening), you should aim to work in total for no more than 15 units per week, as it has been shown that ability to work effectively over a prolonged period decreases over this level. Therefore, you should have 6 units (e.g. 2 full days, or 1 full day and 3 evenings) to do other things. 3. Allowing yourself time every week for relaxation, recreation, socialisation, and rest will help you feel less stressed and make it more likely for you to stick to your timetable. This is not wasting time; it helps you work more effectively. Active learning and practising 1. Try to revise in an active way: do not just read notes through, but also perhaps make a list of key points. Test your memory as you go along and try to devise questions/ answers concerning the information you are learning. 2. Some people find it helpful to use memory aids such as memorising a trigger word which is associated with a 'chunk' of information, making a trigger word out of the initial letters of key points or names, or finding a way of visualising information. 3. Spend some time going through past exam papers and practice answering questions within the allotted time. It does not matter if your attempts go wrong to start with - in fact, now is the time to make these mistakes. Such practice will give you a good idea of the format of the exam, the sorts of questions that you could get, and an invaluable practice in planning and structuring answers under time pressure. It makes no sense to get your first practice at this during the real examination. Final pointers for revision time 1. Leave plenty of time to revise so that you don't have to do last minute cramming. This approach will help to boost your confidence and reduce any pre-exam stress, as you know that you have prepared well. 2. Develop a timetable so that you can track and monitor your progress. Make sure that you allow time for fun and relaxation so that you avoid burning out. 3. As soon as you notice that you are losing concentration, take a break. You will then come back to your revision refreshed. 4. Experiment with several alternative revision techniques so that revision is more fun and your motivation to study is high. 5. Don't drink too much coffee, tea or fizzy drinks; the caffeine will 'hype' you up and make your thinking less clear. Eat healthily and regularly; your brain will benefit from the nutrients. 6. Regular moderate exercise will boost your energy, clear your mind and reduce any feelings of stress. 7. Try out some yoga, tai chi or other relaxation techniques. They will help to keep you feeling calm and balanced. The day before the exam 1. Check the date, time and place of the exam and arrangements to get there 2. Don't attempt to learn new material 3. Think through the exam situation - a mental rehearsal - and review strategies to adopt if disaster strikes 4. Use relaxation techniques to ensure adequate sleep the night before 5. Avoid foods that might lead to digestive upsets the next day.