Preparing for final exams in turbulent times

Although more than a year and a half has passed, learners continue to face many challenges as they start preparations for final exams.

“Under normal circumstances, learners who may have prepared well for their exams can become overwhelmed by stress,’’ said Nomalungelo Ntlokwana, the acting director of Emthonjeni Student Wellness at the Nelson Mandela University. “We can expect learners to show increased levels of stress and anxiety during these times, due to the challenges associated with lockdown.”

According to Ntlokwana, here are a few tips learners can use to manage exam stress:

• Be prepared, start early and do not cram everything in the night before.
• Go with the study method that suits you best.
• Work through past exam papers or example questions.
• Take breaks, spend your time in between sessions doing physical activities.
• Rest often, get enough sleep, especially before exams.
• Know times, venues, procedures and what you can take into the exam venue.
• Arrive well before the exam’s starting time.

Parents can find it equally challenging to see their kids go through exam-related stress. By understanding the levels off anxiety and depression facing your child in these times, you can offer better support at home.

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Here are five ways parents can support their child during exams:

1. Prioritise mental well-being

Recognise the triggers of stress and feelings that cause fear and anxiety within your child. Help them manage negativity by finding ways to cope with these feelings, so that they can regain their focus and confidence. Ensuring that your home is a calm, productive and supportive space in which your child can learn, will make a big difference.

2. Proactively manage stress

There are early warning signs to look out for that can include lack of sleep, loss of appetite and being easily distracted. Focus on the importance of having a healthy mind and help your child to proactively relieve stress by taking regular breaks and even interacting with friends.

3. Promote a healthy lifestyle

Studying for exams requires time and effort, however, your child’s health does come first. Ensure that they get enough quality sleep and physical exercise, even if it’s walking the dogs around the block. Healthy meals are important, keep nutritional snacks in your pantry, and reduce screen time as much as possible.

4. Set realistic expectations

As a parent, it is important that you and your child’s expectations are realistic. Discuss with your child what their goals are for the exams and help them map out their study plans, so that they can get a sense of the desired expectations.

5. Be an example

Keep cool and stay calm. This is the best way you can manage your child’s stress. Be sure to take care of your own mental health, too, as this will allow you to show feelings of care and understanding, and to support them to be able to deal with their own challenges.

In these tough times, it is crucial to take challenges on together with your child. By ensuring your behaviour and responses offer support instead of creating conflict, getting through exam time can be so much easier to navigate.