Q
Dear Auntie Pearl, by the time you answer this, the third school term has probably started already.
I have a problem that I can’t shake and I think it is only going to get worse.
I know it’s still a few months away, but I know that before I can say “dala what you must”, the exams are going to be on us.
Everyone is nervous and I have been studying hard this whole year, but some nights I can’t sleep or I have terrible dreams about staring at the test and not knowing anything.
Sometimes I dream I forgot my pen and other times I simply don’t understand the question at all.
The nightmares feel so real, when I wake up I’m sommer natgesweet and feel like I have a fever. Is there a way to stop these dreams?
From Betty.
A
Girlie, Auntie mos knows exactly what you are talking about.
Your nightmares are very common, almost everyone has had them.
Even though Auntie is nou al ’n ou vrou, I still sometimes skrik wakker in the middle of the night after having a similar dream.
For Auntie, it’s always that I need to go write exam (mathematics, nogal) and I suddenly realise I have not been to class all year and I have no notes.
Luckily when Auntie wakes up, I know that I passed my matric years ago. It’s a moerse relief, but jinne, ’n mens skrik jou boeglam.
But you still have to finish school, so let’s deal with your stress because not having a good night’s rest can also cost your concentration, and you mos don’t want to miss anything in class. That will just make dinge worse.
Auntie thinks the best thing to do to get rid of nightmares is to relax.
Of course, Auntie understands that the exams have you paaping, but you must learn to trust in yourself, your capabilities and that you are prepared.
You sound like a girl with her head on straight.
You are clearly focussed on finishing school and the fact that you are stressing about exams tells Auntie that you are taking it seriously. Other laaities can learn a lot from your example.
The trick is not to put too much pressure on yourself. You really don’t need to study 24 hours a day.
You have to make time to calm your brain. Take 15- to 30-minute breaks between every two hours of study and so on.
In this time, relax, listen to some music or watch a bietjie TV, preferably a comedy, cos laughter is mos the best remedy for stress.
Don’t do things like playing computer games, which will keep you opgewerk.
One of the best things you can do is a little exercise, even a walk around the block would be good.
And Auntie knows it sounds vreemd, but you can even try and meditate.
You may think resting is a waste of time, but remember that relaxing also gives your brain a break, and this will make you more efficient later.
Use your time wisely and draw up a timetable for study and relaxation, and stick to it.
One of the best tips Auntie ever followed when I was in school, was to not leave alles for the last minute. So no cramming.
Study and revise long before the exams, so that when the time comes for a certain subject, you are already familiar with it, and can just reinforce your knowledge.
If you try and cram all that info into your head a day before the test, you will just be even more nervous.
So, Betty, you need to calm yourself – you have all your plans in place, so relax.
Working hard is important, but there is one thing that matters more: believing in yourself. Don’t forget this.
If you become calm and collected during the day and between study sessions, Auntie is sure the nightmares will go away. Sweet dreams.