2311-750016 Positivity Pack campaign

‘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.

‘I find consciously focusing on my breathing a very effective technique for helping my mind and body relax and, in some circumstances, even get through difficult times. It will help exam day nerves and can be practised pretty much anywhere once you have the hang of it. Why do it? It’s simple, powerful and one of the easiest ways to switch off the mind. Put yourself back in control!

‘History podcasts that ask … Why do civilizations collapse? What happens afterwards, and what did it feel like to watch it happen? I watch when trying to sleep or just generally shut down. History podcasts that detail the rise and fall of many different civilizations around the world are amazing. It’s honestly like taking a trip through time when the presenter’s storytelling methods really makes you feel as if you’ve lived through it. My favourite podcast was ‘Easter Island Where Giants Walked’, which was genuinely one of the most tragic things I’ve ever heard. A very relaxed way of escapism — you come out of each podcast a little wiser’.

We are all more productive after a good night’s sleep, but it can be elusive if we’ve studied into the night.

To help you sleep and relax after revision sessions or when your exams are coming up, try 10 tools for your stress-management toolbox and
5 ways to enhance your emotional wellness.

‘Rain. I like listening to the sound of rain. I find it helps me feel relaxed, calm and safe. If I’m struggling to get sleep at night, I find it sounds the perfect therapy’.

‘It’s often hard to get to sleep when your mind is racing. I’ve found that the following technique, originally developed by the U.S. military, helps me drop off quickly.

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.

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.

‘You may also like to look up some other relaxation techniques which I recommend.
For example:

To explore more study support resources, visit the CGMA Study Hub if you're on the CIMA pathway and the Resource Library if you're on the Finance Leadership Program pathway.