Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/948159
10 2023 EXAM STRESS GUIDE Get motivated and concentrate Some people struggle with lack of motivation. These simple strategies may help: 1. Plan to reward yourself when you have achieved goals 2. Start with easier/more interesting subjects 3. Establish a work routine - once started, a routine becomes easier to maintain 4. Remind yourself why you are writing these exams There are many things that one can do to improve one's concentration, but here are a few pointers: 1. People vary in terms of how long they can concentrate for, so experiment and find a work pattern that suits you. Taking regular, short breaks when you are working - for example, 10 minutes out of every hour you work - is likely to help you concentrate for longer. 2. If you are finding it very difficult to concentrate, start off by setting yourself small, manageable goals and reward yourself. As you achieve your goals, gradually increase what you set out to do. In this way you can train yourself to concentrate more effectively. Here are some other ideas: 1. Make notes as you read. Keep questions in your mind as you work. Speak out loud. Record yourself. 2. Mix easy and difficult topics, and interesting and dull topics. 3. Try to work in a comfortable environment (not too cold, hot, noisy) and remove distractions if possible. Find out where you work best, e.g. alone in your room, at the library etc. Revision, revision, revision, revision... Start a revision programme in good time before the exams. Whilst you do not want to "peak" too early, leaving revision too late is an excellent recipe for stress. Doing the work takes less effort than thinking about doing the work! Plan your learning 1. There are four stages to learning: acquiring knowledge, understanding it, memorising and testing. Allow time for each stage and do not expect to be able to test yourself until you have memorised it. 2. Plan realistically and do not try to cram in too much each day. 3. Set small goals for each hour of revision. After each hour or so, give yourself a little treat - something to eat or drink, a short walk, a chat with a friend. After your treat, get back to work. 4. Stop revising well before bedtime and have a relaxing break before bed. Tips for revision plans People are different in how they react to revision plans. When these go wrong - as they often do - it is usually because they were planned too tightly and did not allow for sufficient flexibility: plans need plenty of blank space to allow for the unexpected. Here are some pointers: 1. Bearing in mind that plans need to be flexible, draw up a weekly timetable for yourself, firstly putting in everything that you need to do: meals, sleep, lectures, supervision, shopping, laundry, etc. Then allocate time for revision and time for relaxing and enjoying yourself.