Six strategies to cope with exam pressures

MATRICULANTS all around the country are in the thick of the much anticipated (and most often feared) final exams.

The pressure is on and for many this is a time of fear, anxiety and stress that could significantly slow down or halt their ability to effectively tackle the exams.

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Cindy Glass Co-founder and Director of after-school remediation franchise, Step Up Education Centre offer six strategies to help ease the pressures of final exams:

1. Know that you can do this. Stamp out any thoughts of failure—do not entertain any negative beliefs about yourself. Remember, if you think you can or your think you can’t, you will be right.

2. Make sure you have a dedicated place of study. You need a desk and chair, good lighting and plenty of fresh air. The most effective way to study is pen-to-paper. Your brain is able to remember information 7 times better if you write it down.

3. Use your study time effectively. That means – put off ALL distractions. No cell phones, no TV.

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4. Break up your workload into bite-size manageable pieces. Use a desk calendar or something similar and write down what you will need to cover every day. Tick off as you go. This will give you direction and it will keep you motivated as you achieve each task.

5. During your exam, answer all the easy-mark questions first. Go through the paper and answer all the questions you feel most confident about. This will ensure you finish the paper, it will build your confidence and it will leave you enough time to tackle the more challenging questions. Remember to number your questions clearly.

6. Don’t forget to make time to exercise – even if it is just for 30 minutes a day. You need to take care of yourself more than ever at this time. Make sure you eat healthily – avoid sugars and refined foods. You definitely want to avoid energy drinks as they give you a false sense of security.

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