- Chapters
- descriptions off, selected
- default, selected
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
Entertainment
Scroll down to start
Everyone has their way of enjoying themselves. But what we all have in common is that we all seek escapism away from our daily grind, something to relax or excite us.
People like to lose themselves in music, books, shows and films. Some are used to relax, others to invigorate and excite, like uplifting music, a thrilling movie, or an edgy book.
If you need music or a playlist to keep you focused while studying, try the
Study with Me pomodoro video, designed to improve your concentration and keep you company while you study.
And to read inspiration on what kind of music to study and relax or get up and go, read Study better with music.
Check out what our colleagues from around the world told us about their favourite music, books and films and why they find them therapeutic.
Music
"
‘ “The Gayatri Mantra” sung by Deva Premal. I always thought mantras were a bit “out there”, but in fact some of them really work for me. Gayatri is said to be one of the most powerful, bringing spiritual enlightenment and success. It activates all the energy centres in the body and is empowering and uplifting. I put my own yoga sequence of eight movements into one round of the mantra and repeat for 10 minutes
‘Country music — especially later work by Emmylou Harris, who has the most beautiful voice. Great for when I need a good cry — the best stress reliever for me!’
Jackie Durham, UK
"
‘ “Kecak — The Balinese Monkey Dance”. I first saw this in the Ron Fricke film Baraka. It fascinated me. I find it uplifting, mystical and one of the best examples of teamwork I’ve ever seen. It really makes me think about different world cultures and inspires my curiosity.
‘And, “Massive Attack, Hymn of the Big Wheel”. Still sounds as fresh as ever, and the line ‘one man struggles while another relaxes’ has embedded itself in my mind forever. It makes me reminisce and always reconnects me to music’.
Leyton Ramskill, UK
"
‘Debussy’s ‘Clair de lune’
‘ “Clair de lune” takes its title from an atmospheric poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine, which depicts the soul as somewhere full of music ‘in a minor key’, where birds are inspired to sing by the ‘sad and beautiful’ light of the moon.
‘The piece can be interpreted in many ways, from joy and curiosity to anguish and melancholy. All I know is, it’s a wonderful peaceful way to fall asleep.
‘Given sleep is so important, especially as the exam day approaches, it definitely has my personal recommendation for our CGMA candidates’.
Mark Foley, UK
"
‘I’d recommend two kinds of music — one to get you up — and one to get you relaxed. Sometimes you just need something to get you up, to get yourself ready — anything uplifting — random examples like, Roar by Katy Perry, or Simply The Best by Tina Turner. But then sometimes you need something in the background to help you be focused. Someone like Norah Jones or when I studied, I used to listen to Corrine Bailey Rae on repeat!’
Sarah Burrows, UK
‘ “Baby I’m a star” by Prince. I love this song for many reasons. First, I’m a huge Prince fan! This song in particular is so upbeat. It can get you moving almost any time, and the message is very positive!’
Amy Scott, U.S.
"
‘For a burst of high-octane motivation — Hans Zimmer: Pirates of the Caribbean — listen to it LOUD! For true inspiration and a sense of love for our fellow man — Beethoven Symphony No. 9 — Final movement’.
Fiona Arnold, Ireland
‘ “We are on the move” by Zo! Why? Because you can’t help grooving along, and the guys in the band are clearly enjoying themselves a lot too’.
Kyle Hannan, UK
BOOKS
"
‘My three book recommendations are The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, Mindset by Carol Dweck, and Wired to Resist by Britt Andreatta.
‘I am a huge fan of self-help books as they relate to transforming the way we think. I have found that these three books have helped me improve my reflection time, where I evaluate my actions and thought patterns, which in turn have helped me navigate around low moods. The Power of Habit teaches how we can get caught in a loop of continuous behaviour.
‘Through reading these books, I have not only been more acute at spotting signs, but now I am able to be more intentional about creating new habits. Mindset is a book about fixed/growth mindset, which compliments the Wired to Resist book we use internally for our Change Quest program. By understanding how you view your achievements, you can learn how this impacts the release of the chemicals in your brain, which loops you back into good or bad habits’.
Jasmyn Allen, UK
The end
"
‘The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It really made me think about my purpose in life. Although it’s not your typical self-help book, the themes and ideas focus on following your dreams and becoming a hero and role model. It’s also a relatively short read — ideal for those who aren’t into reading — the words are powerful and awe-inspiring’.
Tia Thakkar, UK
‘I’d recommend this book: The Present by Spencer Johnson. I think it just helps to put things into perspective and gets you focused in a professional way’.
Sarah Burrows, UK
"
‘The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux. Probably the book that got me into reading, a little dark at times, but a really original plot that got me dreaming of adventures in my teenage years’.
Leyton Ramskill, UK
"
‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Why? Look what it started’.
Kyle Hannan, UK
"
‘The Beach by Alex Garland. The writing is extremely witty and transports you to a world that seems beautiful on the outside but quickly turns on its protagonist to become deeply sinister and threatening. The main character, Richard, is relatable to everyone: he is a lost soul. He is searching for something. He is not sure what but thinks he found it on the beach. He never escapes completely his own self-doubt. Realises that utopia is an impracticality in nature and in particular in people. The book captures a point that the Di Caprio movie misses entirely, and the events as they play out in the narrative are much more frightening and thrilling than in the movie. A must-read!’
Raj Thakkar, UK
Movies
"
‘ “The Dead Zone” film. Early 1980s horror film starring Chris Walken. It’s the first Stephen King horror film I remember watching with my brother and father. Hadn’t ever come across a film quite like it before and leaves you a little shaken at the end. Beautifully acted, but I recommend it if you’re looking for ‘complete escapism’. It will allow your brain to switch off completely from study for 90 minutes!’
Mark Foley, UK
"
‘ “Life of Brian”.
Why? Because it’s brilliant, irreverent. And fun’.
Kyle Hannan, UK
"
‘ “The Shawshank Redemption”.
Why? It has a gripping storyline, and a feelgood ending! Surely an all-time great?’
Leyton Ramskill, UK
‘ “Into the Wild”. Makes you think about life and the wider world we live in, emotional yet inspiring’.
Michelle Lander, UK
"
‘ “Wild” — I’d recommend this really moving and thoughtful movie, based on the true story of a woman’s 1,100-mile walk along the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA. I found it an inspirational story of overcoming challenges and dealing with life’s blows and losses, and it has some great cinematography’.
Meghna Bose, India
- Chapters
- descriptions off, selected
- default, selected
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
The CGMA
®
Positivity Pack
Inspirational tips and tricks to support your
well-being during revision.
Get started - Scroll down or click 'right' arrow
introduction
Welcome to the CGMA® Positivity Pack.
Designed for exam-focussed CGMA candidates such as you, it provides inspirational ideas and solutions to help you switch on or off when needed during those intense
pre-exam revision moments.
Our colleagues from around the globe have provided insights and suggestions to give you the boost to start your study session or help you wind down and relax afterward.
Explore the following four areas for inspiration:
To explore more, visit the CGMA Study Hub for those on the CIMA pathway and the FLP Resource Library for those on the FLP pathway.
We hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations as much as we did putting them together.
From all of us at AICPA® & CIMA®, we wish you the best for your forthcoming studies and exams.
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, powering leaders in accounting and finance around the globe.
© 2024 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved. 2311-750016