It all comes down to this. Twelve years of preparation.

​The holidays are on the horizon, but before matric learners can relax, they need to conquer their final exams. The following tips will help you weather any storm in your last few weeks of matric: 

1.       Flexible scheduling and planning

Planning is synonymous with preparation but doesn't come natural to all of us. If routine works for you, take the time to write down what you need to cover for each subject and map it out in a timetable. If not, follow the flexible scheduling approach: Decide what and how many chapters you need to study every day, but apply flexibility with WHEN in the day you will be doing it. Keep in mind the time of the day when you are most productive. Golden rule: STICK to your schedule/plan; otherwise, it is a useless exercise. 

2.       Motivation vs self-discipline

Self-discipline is your friend. Decide what needs to be done, and DO it. Waiting until you feel 'motivated', ready or 'in the zone' might be unrealistic and unproductive. 

3.       Sleep hygiene

Getting enough sleep, at least 6–8 hours per night, is essential. While you sleep, your brain stores the information you studied, which is why cramming information the night before is seldom successful. Take responsibility by planning your study time and bedtime in advance. You will struggle to sleep if you expect your brain to be awake and study at 01:00 today, but to be sleepy at 23:00 tomorrow. Try to go to bed at more or less the same time every night. Late-night studying is not healthy! 

4.       Nutrition

Consider all the food groups when planning your meals. Focus on slow-releasing carbohydrates such as oats, sweet potato and wholewheat/low-GI bread. Include healthy fats (brain food) such as peanut butter, nuts and seeds, and add vegetables and fresh fruit to every meal. Avoid processed/fast food, sugar, sweets and energy/sugary drinks as far as possible. These only spikes your blood sugar, leaving you extremely tired and lethargic. Clever snack ideas include apple slices with peanut butter, chickpeas, boiled eggs, nuts or yoghurt. Keep hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water per day. Swap your second cup of coffee for rooibos tea. Scientists from Stellenbosch University have found that drinking rooibos tea can help reduce stress because of two rare antioxidants (aspalathin and nothofagin), which inhibit the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. 

5.       Share your schedule

Avoid distractions by informing your parents and family members when you plan to study. This might help keep you accountable too. 

6.       Practice makes perfect

Old exam papers are valuable tools. Leave enough time after studying to look at previous exam questions. This will allow you to test your knowledge and get an idea of how questions may be phrased. 

7.       Relax, recharge, socialise and exercise

You CAN socialise during the exam – it's good for your mental health – but schedule socialising in advance, and stick to it. Also, get moving for at least 20 minutes a day. Exercise improves concentration and retention of information, and helps you sleep and cope with stress. Make sure that you include time during the exam to look after yourself: If you focus on academics alone, you will burn out before the end of the exam.

May your end-of-year exam season be restful and successful. 

Mari O'Reilly Counselling psychologist, Stellenbosch University