Matric: less stress, more success!

Matric – the high school grand finale, the final performance before the curtain call, where the spotlight’s on, and your child’s final results stand as the gatekeeper to their future dreams. It is the ultimate balancing act – a tightrope walk between textbooks, matric dances, drivers licence tests, and social escapades.

And let’s not forget the school maze: 11 months of navigating through school work, extra curricula activities, portfolio marks, July exams, prelims and of course, the dreaded finals. Matric is a challenging, confusing, emotional and exciting time that requires patience, determination, hard work, and a large sprinkling of magic.

Embarking on the matric journey can be overwhelming, and if it isn’t navigated with thought and planning, it can end up being exceptionally stressful, especially because the stakes seem so high. But if the year is started with a good routine, some helpful habits, and a good dose of foreplaning and preparation, both the matriculant and supporting family should be able become masters of stress management.

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Here are six tactics that will hold any matriculant in good stead throughout their final school year – helping them to finish with a flourish:

1. Practice makes perfect. It’s like the old adage goes: “The more you practice, the luckier you become.” Although  some new work is covered in matric, it is largely based on revision of what has been taught up to this point. As such, it is advisable to start doing past exam papers from the beginning of the year.

   You can source these online, or you can invest in printed books – be sure to get ones with the exams and the memos included. Not only will these provide a sneak peek into what the exams might consist of and how the questions will be asked, but it will also show areas of weakness and strength. Some free online sources of past papers include SA Papers, SA Exam Papers, and Matric College.

2. Taming time. Say goodbye to the stress monster with a magic wand called “time management”. According to Caitlin Nevins, PhD, director of psychological services at mental health experts, Mass General Brigham McClean, “Managing your time better can reduce your likelihood of experiencing burnout, as it ensures you have more time to rest and deal with other things that can cause mental, emotional, or physical distress. With plenty of time to attend to your work, you’re less stressed and anxious.”

   Efficient time management is a personalised approach to structuring your life and projects. Whether through traditional tools like calendars or modern apps, tasks can be categorised into long- and short-term goals – setting achievable milestones, and offering a roadmap to success. Achieving these milestones not only propels progress, but also enhances self-esteem and a feeling of being in control.

3. Brainpower boosters. Regular exercise and a healthy diet form the ultimate power duo for students facing exams. Exercise boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen to the brain and enhancing cognitive function.

   Meanwhile, a nutrient-rich diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains provides the essential fuel for sustained focus and mental clarity. Both exercise and nutrition combat stress, releasing endorphins that act as natural mood lifters, reducing anxiety during exam periods. Proper hydration ensures optimal brain function, keeping students sharp and attentive.

4. If you can dream it, you can be it. Let your child turn their study space into a vision board of matric goals and beyond. They can add the following to a pinboard or list them in their diary or screensaver – a wishlist of what final marks they would like to achieve, a picture of where they would like to study, or perhaps of the profession that they are interested in pursuing.

   Visualisation serves as a remarkable motivator by transforming abstract goals into compelling mental images. When individuals vividly picture their desired outcomes, it activates the brain’s neural pathways, creating a sense of familiarity and confidence. This mental rehearsal not only enhances self-belief, but also reduces anxiety and self-doubt. Visualisation provides a constant reminder of the end goal, fostering a positive mindset and reinforcing determination.

5. Taming via tutoring. If there is a subject where a student doesn’t feel confident, then seek help immediately in the form of paying for a private tutor – either in-person or online. Don’t leave this to the last minute, the sooner you seek help, the better. Tutors act as academic guides, offering personalised support that can significantly enhance matric students’ performance in finals.

   With a focused one-on-one approach, tutors identify individual learning styles, address specific challenges, and tailor study strategies. They provide clarifications, reinforce concepts, and offer valuable exam tips, building students’ confidence and exam preparedness. Word-of-mouth recommendations for past students are the best way to source tutors – ask on your school’s or neighbourhood’s social groups if anybody can recommend a tutor for the subject in question.

6. Counting sheep. Be sure to prioritise sleep and ensure seven to nine hours of sleep every night – this enhances memory consolidation, cognitive function, and mood regulation. It reduces stress, supports efficient learning, and improves academic performance.

   Quality sleep is essential for overall health, fostering a balanced lifestyle. By ensuring sufficient rest, students optimise their ability to focus, learn, and succeed in their studies.

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