Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/948159
9 2023 EXAM STRESS GUIDE 5. BE FLEXIBLE Allow time for interruptions and distractions. Time management experts often suggest planning for just 50 percent or less of one's time. With only 50 percent of your time planned, you will have the flexibility to handle interruptions and the unplanned "emergencies". Save (or make) large blocks of time for your priorities. When interrupted, ask "What is the most important thing I can be doing with my time right now?" to help you get back on track fast. 6. CONSIDER YOUR BIOLOGICAL PRIME TIME That is the time of day when you are at your best. Are you a "morning person", a "night owl", or a late afternoon "whiz"? Knowing when your best time is and planning to use that time of day for your priorities such as studying (if possible) is effective time management. 7. ELIMINATE THE URGENT Urgent tasks have short-term consequences, while important tasks are those with long-term, goal-related implications. Work towards reducing the urgent things you must do so you'll have time for your important priorities. Flagging or highlighting items on your To Do List or attaching a deadline to each item may help keep important items from becoming urgent emergencies. 8. PRACTICE THE ART OF INTELLIGENT NEGLECT Eliminate from your life trivial tasks or those tasks that do not have long-term consequences for you. 9. AVOID BEING A PERFECTIONIST In the Malaysian culture, only the gods are considered capable of producing anything perfect. Yes, some things need to be closer to perfect than others, but being perfect all the time is exhausting and impossible. 10. CONQUER PROCRASTINATION One technique to try is the "Swiss Cheese" method. When you are avoiding something, break it into smaller tasks and do just one of the smaller tasks, or set a timer and work on the big task for just 15 minutes. By doing a little at a time, eventually you'll reach a point where you'll want to finish. 11. REWARD YOURSELF Even for small successes such as finishing one section of your study work, celebrate this achievement. Promise yourself a reward for completing each task, or finishing the total amount. Then keep your promise and indulge in your reward. Doing so will help you maintain the necessary balance in life between work and play.