Tips To Maintain Focus & Manage Stress During Matric Exam

Tips To Maintain Focus & Manage Stress During Matric Exam

The matric exam is officially set to start on October 21, 2024.

This is just a few days away, and for most learners, it is a time of stress, anxiety and pressure. The matric exam is the final hurdle before entering tertiary education or the workforce, making it incredibly important for a student’s future success.

If you’re a grade 12 learner or a parent of one, read this post.

We’ll share helpful tips to help you maintain focus and manage your stress during this period!

How To Maintain Focus During Matric Exam

It is easy to lose focus this time of year, especially with the holiday season also creeping in.

Here are some tips to help you stay focused during the matric exam period:

Remove Distractions

Distractions are probably the most common cause of losing focus during exams.

Make sure to remove any distractions. This can include:

  • Friends and family who are not writing exams
  • Cellphones and other electronic devices
  • Television, music or any other sources of noise
  • Social media and other online platforms

It may be difficult, but removing these distractions will allow you to fully focus on your exams.

In addition, your study space must also be distraction-free!

To create a distraction-free study space, read our other blog post here. It lists helpful tips to create a productive study environment.

Get An Adequate Amount Of Sleep

Did you know that sleep deprivation leads to lower alertness and concentration?

It leaves your brain exhausted! And an exhausted brain is not going to help you during your exams.

To get an adequate amount of sleep, follow these strategies:

  • Set up a bedtime routine (A bedtime routine is not just beneficial for young children; adults also need one).
  • Avoid any caffeine or sugar before bed.
  • Create a comfortable sleeping environment.
  • Don’t study way past your bedtime (follow our study tips guide to avoid studying late at night).
  • Avoid using electronics before bed.

Getting a good night’s sleep will help you stay alert and focused during your exams.

So, make sure to prioritise your sleep schedule!

Take Breaks

Studying for long periods without breaks can actually decrease your productivity. According to Cornell Health, taking purposeful breaks from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity and ability to focus.

The best technique you can try out is the Pomodoro Technique.

This technique allows you to study in 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. During the break, make sure to get up from your desk and do some physical activity or stretch.

Manage Your Time & Schedule

One cannot focus if one’s mind and schedule look like a jumbled mess.

To avoid this, create a study schedule and stick to it! Make sure to include breaks and leisure time as well.

You can use online time management tools to plan your study sessions and track your progress.

How To Manage Stress During Matric Exam

Grade 12 learners often experience stress and anxiety during matric examinations. This is because of the high expectations and pressure on them to achieve good results.

To handle matric exam anxiety and stress, we suggest you try the following tips:

Remember To Breath

If you find yourself overwhelmed and panicked, just remember to take deep breaths.

A slow inhale and slow exhale relaxes the body and mind.

You can also try different breathing techniques, such as square or diaphragmatic breathing.

Nothing is ever so chaotic that you can’t take a moment to breathe.

Look After Yourself

A warm shower, a healthy meal, and a pamper day can do wonders for your mental and physical state.

Make sure to prioritise self-care during this stressful time.

It is better to take a break and recharge than to burn out and not be able to perform at your best.

Set Realistic Goals

The goals you set for yourself must be realistic.

For instance, if you know that studying for 2 hours straight is not feasible, then don’t set that as your goal. Or if you currently achieve a personal best of 60% in a subject, don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve 90%.

Set smaller, achievable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them.

This will help boost your motivation and reduce unnecessary stress.

Exercise

Playing sports, jogging around your neighbourhood or playing with your dog benefits your academics.

It releases happy hormones and allows your body to relax.

Exercise can also improve your cognitive functioning, memory and concentration, which are essential for exam success.

Get Support

The above-mentioned tips for maintaining focus and managing stress are great, but sometimes you may need additional support.

Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for help and support. They are your safety net and will be there to listen and offer advice.

Additionally, you can hire private tutors.

Private tutors are here to help you prepare for exams, understand subjects better, and give you the one-on-one attention you need. For example, if English isn’t your strong suit, a tutor can provide you with personalised English tutoring.

At Tutor Doctor, our mission is to help students succeed not just academically but also in life.

Our private online and in-home tutoring services throughout South Africa are tailored to each student’s unique learning style, needs, and goals.

Contact us today for more information and start your journey towards academic success!

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