HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS

Matric Exams are a time when anxiety levels rise and plans for your future are top of the discussions at home. Here's how to take the stress out of the situation.

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Every student in Grade 12 becomes anxious about preparing to write one of the most important exams of their lives. As a teen moving onto adulthood, life can seem quite demanding, with pressure from parents to pass your finals, hormones going haywire, all while trying to fit in with your peers. You need to be well prepared to face the challenge and equip yourself with the necessary tools go through this phase smoothly.

Here are some useful tips for exam preparations.

MENTALLY PREPARE YOURSELF
It all starts in your mind, be mentally ready for all that’s ahead of you. Make sure you know what is expected from you in the exams. Collect all the notes and resources you’ll need to study, this will help with getting clear direction in your studying and thought process.

STUDY ZONE
Set up a comfortable study space at home. Find a spot in your house that is secluded, quiet and has privacy. Visit your local library; they have study rooms open for everyone. A comfortable space to study in will boost your concentration and keep you calm and focused.

TIME MANAGEMENT 
It’s very important to create a study timetable with slots to manage your time effectively. A timetable gives you a set routine to follow and keeps you updated and in control of how much work you still need to do or have completed already. Divide your studying into small chunks of about 30 minutes each day, over several weeks, rather than cramming in hours at night without any breaks in-between.



HEALTHY DIET
Eat and drink healthily to prevent low energy levels. Stay hydrated with water and limit caffeine to three drinks a day. Get some exercise for at least 30 minutes daily; this will boost your brainpower and aid memory helping you process information better.

EXERCISE
Keep Focused

Limit distractions such as hanging out with friends and socialising. Social media should be kept to a minimum. Avoid spending your valuable time on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, this could interrupt your attention span making you lose focus and less productive.

RECHARGE YOUR BODY
Getting enough sleep is good for getting an energy boost and eases tiredness.

A good couple of hours of sleep assists with absorbing knowledge and improves your memory. Make sure you get enough hours of sleep every night leading up to the day of the exam.

HELP FROM PARENTS
During this time parents need to be supportive and offer encouragement without adding pressure. It can be nerve-wracking for parents, as this is something your child will have to accomplish on their own. However, you need to be patient yet engaged during this phase, because your child needs help and motivation from you. The best way to do this is to keep a watchful eye, for signs of stress and intervene when needed.

Stress signals to watch out for:
• Physical ailments such as frequent headaches, dizziness, chest and stomach pains.
• Feeling tense and irritable and not getting enough sleep.
• Speaking negatively about the future and feelings of hopelessness
• Changes in eating habits such as eating more or eating less than before.
• Self-criticism and changes in personality

If your child feels overwhelmed and seems to be struggling to handle the situation. Seek professional help and guidance for the following organisations.

South African Depression and anxiety group. www.sadag.org.

24hr Helpline 0800 12 13 14

Second Chance Matric Support Program. www.education.gov.org

Jet Club members can call the teen advice line on 0800 20 29 33

ASK AN EXPERT
Give your kids the advantage! Jet Club members, use your helpful new education benefit to make study time easier for the whole family.