How To Deal With The Stress Of F5 Exams
There many different demands competing for our time.That said, it is often the case that as a result of pressure, our lives are made fulfilling and enjoyable. However, the situation can become “stressful” when the natural equilibrium is pushed out of kilter by the introduction of an additional factor, such as preparing for your F5 paper on target costing.
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them”. It is not unusual then for our normal feelings to morph into anxiety and worry when the weighty ACCA exam workload, shortage of time and raised expectations are mixed together.
{Stress causes the mind and body to react in a type of “fight or flight” manner, producing strong and generally unhelpful physical and emotional symptoms The mind and body reacts to stress with a kind of “fight or flight” response which can result in often detrimental physical and emotional symptoms Stress can produce intense and harmful physical and emotional symptoms akin to a “fight or flight” reaction}. Thankfully, there are a number of tried and tested ways to shrink the mountain of stress can back down to more molehill proportions not despair, as there are several well used ways that can taken to reduce down the stress mountain to a more manageable size.
As a starting point, it is advisable to stop something occurring in the first place rather than deal with it once it has happened. Therefore “pre work” is recommended by completing as many tasks as possible in advance of those last fraught weeks; planning and simple prioritisation will assist in this process. However, if pre work is no longer possible, it is vital to concentrate only on what can realistically be finished in the available time. Accepting that on occasions there will be tasks that are beyond your control and focusing on those that are not will make for more effective time management.
Also, if the body is kept fit, healthy and rested the physiological impacts can be reduced. A nutritious diet, exercise, relaxation and sufficient sleep, will help protect from the ravages of stress and ensure the body is alert and energised.
Notwithstanding, it is important to guard against the emotional traumas of stress. Gaining support by discussing the situation with peers and friends, making time just for yourself and taking breaks as well as utilising the pastoral help available, for example the F5 advice at the ACCA Resources. In the end, it is imperative to adopt a positive mental attitude. As Churchill proffered ” I am an optimist. It doesn’t seem too much use being anything else”.
Stress need never occur and its effects can be coped with but the pressures of ACCA exams cannot be avoided. That said, adopting the right attitude can have an enormously advantageous effect on exam performance.
