2311-750016 Positivity Pack campaign

Exercise is good for the mind and body. The challenge is always making yourself get up and go. A simple, brisk walk a day can do wonders. It may not seem like it’s doing anything, but you will start feeling more invigorated and focused.

‘Aerobox is a dynamic workout that combines elements of boxing and aerobics. It incorporates punches, kicks, and other boxing movements, choreographed to music in a high-energy cardio routine. It doesn’t necessarily require a punching bag; shadowboxing can be just as effective.

· Mentally: It offers a break from continuous studying, allowing the brain to recharge. The rhythmic punches and movements combined with music can also be meditative, helping to clear the mind.

‘Engaging in an Aerobox workout makes you feel invigorated and refreshed. As you punch and kick in rhythm with the music, it provides a sense of release, both physically and emotionally. Post-workout, there’s a sense of accomplishment and increased energy levels. It’s like hitting a ‘reset’ button, leaving you more focused and ready to tackle challenges, be it an upcoming exam or any other task’.

‘I am a qualified yoga teacher. I recommend trying this stress buster that is guaranteed to make you smile. Don’t try it at the bus stop or a public place!

‘I live by the coast in Ireland and recommend sea or open water swimming. Of course, you must take all the necessary safety precautions. It’s a fantastic way to relax, put things into perspective and let all your worries float away!’

‘The COVID pandemic and the lockdowns made me think about walking in a very different way, until then I tended to go out at weekends for day-long walks, keen to know how many miles I’d clocked up and how many calories I’d burnt.

‘I advise you to put your mobile phone out of sight and switch the volume off; most of us can’t avoid being distracted by mobiles — they are an avoidance strategy we really don’t need.

‘Oily Fish. I eat oily fish, mainly Mackerel, the night before an exam. My aunt told me as a teenager it was ‘brain food’, so I have eaten it ever since, mainly the night before an examination. It just became a routine that seemed to work, so it was a part of my exam preparation — sometimes having a fixed preparation aids confidence. There are studies suggesting omega-3 fatty acids aid learning, memory and cognitive well-being (found in oily fish). Just aids my confidence as it’s part of my exam prep routine and it’s a relatively light dish so easy to digest’.

‘Exams! How to make exam stress more manageable? Preparation is the key here; as with studying, the effort you put into planning and preparation will give you the confidence to go into the exam ready and expecting to pass.

‘Have a plan and break your studies down into bitesize chunks! I struggle with learning large amounts of information in one go, whether that be in a timely fashion or cramming just before an exam! I have found setting up a personal plan where I have enough time to learn everything, but in more manageable, smaller chunks helps me to really digest the information and make sure it sticks!’

‘It’s quite normal to be fearful of exams, and there are small things you can do to address that and build more exam confidence. One easy technique I’d recommend is to spend time reading and answering previous exam questions. The more you do, the easier they become and hopefully, your confidence levels will increase!’

If the following recommendations sound appetising, read Reimagine productivity: Eat better, work smarter.

The stress that studying brings is why we need a positive boost. Working towards the CGMA designation is worth the hard work but can be challenging. At times, stress-busting and relaxation techniques are very much needed.

‘ “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!’

‘ “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’.

‘ “Into the Wild”. Makes you think about life and the wider world we live in, emotional yet inspiring’.

‘ “The Shawshank Redemption”.
Why? It has a gripping storyline, and a feelgood ending! Surely an all-time great?’

‘ “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

‘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!’

‘ “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!’

‘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’.

‘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!’

‘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’.

‘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’.

‘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’.

‘My three book recommendations are The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, Mindset by Carol Dweck, and Wired to Resist by Britt Andreatta.