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How to cope during the examinations
By Jimmy Henderson

So you are now busy with exams and struggling to cope? In the previous article the importance of being mentally and physically well-prepared was highlighted. Much of this applies to the period in between exams as well.

• Diet and sleep during examinations
 Whether studying before or during the examinations, get sufficient sleep and eat correctly
 It does not help to study until the early hours of the morning and then be unable to concentrate during the exams
 Junk food is not helpful during times of stress- eat plenty of vegetables and easily digestible food
 Ask your chemist or health shop for a natural supplement to assist you during the exams
• In between examinations
 You may be having problems sleeping but it is not a good idea to take sleeping tablets or tranquillisers as this will only reduce your ability to focus
 Use a reward system: In other words, if your have worked well for a few hours you should take some take time off.

• Continue with your study plan
 Your study plan should have been based on your examination timetable and the last day or two before the examination for a particular subject should be reserved for last minute revision on that subject only.
 Do not leave for the examination venue at the last moment and be stressed. Arrive early and relax
 It is also helpful to arrive early at the venue to do last minute cramming.
 Hopefully you have prepared summaries and your final cramming should be to remember only the main headings, important points and key words for that particular subject.
• When writing an examination
 Once you have been told to begin, use the first five to ten minutes to recall and write down these headings, points and key concepts on the scrap side of the exam pad.
 Examiners do not mind you make notes as long as you indicate the page as ‘rough work’ or ‘notes’ and not as part of your answer
 There is an ideal arousal level for mental work and examinations
 If you are too stressed and your arousal is too high, you may get a mental block and be unable to think clearly. In this case, stop for a minute or two and do meditative breathing exercises such as breathing in and out to a regular count of 4. Stop your writing, close your eyes and relax and focus on your breathing , counting as you breathe in and out , In 1,2,3, 4, hold, 1,2,3, 4, out 1,2,3, 4, hold 1,2,3, 4, , in 1,2,3, 4, and so on. This will relax you quickly.
 If you arousal is too low (sleepy) you will also not be able to focus correctly. In this case, you will need to find a way of raising your arousal level. Try stretching or pushing down on your arms and legs, in order to get your heart-rate up. Glucose sweets are also
a good way of increasing your metabolism fast.

• Your state of mind is crucial during the examination period.
 Try and be as positive as possible. Focus on what you want for your future and try not to let pressure from family and friends affect you
 If you have prepared well, you should not have problems with the actual examinations.
 If you are experiencing health or emotional issues such as depression or panic attacks during the examinations, consult a medical doctor or psychologist.
 If things do not go well with the examination, all is not lost. There are supplementary examinations through the department of education and a number of colleges offer correspondence courses in the National Certificate (matric) as well as full-time computer and other courses which do not require matric

References
Jordaan et al ((1975). General psychology: A psychobiological approach. JHB: McGraw–Hill.
Beautyspecialists (Gilletts) 031-7670390
Damelin college (Priscilla Kisten) 031-2689400

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