Useful tips in preparation for exams

GRADE 12 learners throughout the country sat for their national examinations which commenced on October 21. To prepare for this stressful time, Procter and Gamble South Africa have shared a few tips to help students prepare and focus on their exams:

Have a plan in mind

Know what needs to be done and by when and plot it on a calendar.

Divide subjects into segments and allocate time accordingly.

Allow time buffers to revise, do mock-tests or seek help for challenging subject segments.

Stick to a routine

Where possible, follow a balanced daily routine. Benefits include:

Limited distraction or procrastination.

Reduced stress.

Foster a sense of achievement.

Prioritise self-care – set aside some time for yourself.

Make it a group thing

Find people who can support you – particularly in subjects which are personally challenging.

Group learning can help:

Make you feel accountable

Expand your knowledge and study skills

Break study monotony

Hone ‘real world’ people skills.

Manage your stress

A certain amount of stress is normal during exam time but too much can be overwhelming which negatively affects your studies.

Help reduce stress by:

Breathing correctly – yes you can get it wrong. Calm your mind by taking time to breathe in deeply. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat at least five times.

Go offline – limit phone use to certain times during the day. Keep your phone out of sight to avoid temptation.

Give your body the fuel it needs to succeed.

Eat foods which nourish your body and your brain, such as:

Grains and starches

Nuts and seeds

Berries

Omega-3 e.g. fatty fish

Healthy fats: e.g. avocado, olives, olive oil.

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Get adequate rest – sleep is important, all-night cramming won’t benefit you in the long run.