We’re nearing that year-end fatigue – a time where matric learners are getting ready for the most important exams of their school career.
As they aim for top marks, the upcoming weeks become a test of focus, strength and endurance for matriculants prepping for year-end exams. Adding to this stress for many, is contending with the fatigue most likely set in after a hard work-fuelled year. But by reframing their mindset and ensuring they stick to some tried and tested guidelines, they can all dive into the last quarter of 2023 with renewed enthusiasm to ensure they finish the year strong.
Dr Rufaro Audrey Mavunga, senior head of programme in the faculty of law at The Independent Institute of Education, says that signs of year-end fatigue include low energy levels, a feeling of being unable to keep up, a lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, being unable to sleep, and low levels of concentration while possibly feeling anxious.
This may cause learners to start slacking when they can least afford to, for instance by bunking classes, not participating in school activities, procrastinating and putting off planned revision hoping they might feel more motivated to tackle tasks later, and by checking out of their circumstances by sleeping too much or watching too much television.
“Rest assured that it is normal to feel tired and overwhelmed but, you are not alone. It is possible and important to overcome these feelings so that you can finish strong, and that it is within your ability to do so if you act decisively right now. There is still enough time to make sure you can get a handle on things again and get on top of your academic work to the best of your ability.”
Dr Mavunga offers the following advice to learners:
Take some time off
This may sound counter-productive, but it can help to take a day or two to regain your focus without feeling guilty. In these days, you can catch up on sleep, get out in nature for some relaxation, and remind yourself about the why and the how of what you are doing right now. Get your mind in the right place, and resolve to start the final stretch with vigour. Also use this time to lay out your schedule and plans for the coming weeks, right until you’ve put down your pen on your last exam.
Revisit your study timetable and manage your time efficiently
To finish strong, you need to continue with regular study sessions every week till the end of your exams. Do not count on doing an all-nighter just before you write an assessment. Revisit your study timetable and ensure that you have set up fixed hours for study every day. Plan for enough time to study each module and add your study sessions to your calendar like any other commitments. This guarantees that you keep in mind that this is time set aside exclusively for studying. Bear in mind a study plan works best when it is followed consistently. It is imperative that you stick to your plan, as this will ease tension and anxiety if you can see your consistent progress.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Exercise has many benefits, but it has been proven that it releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Fatigue and tiredness could also be an effect of a lack of proper nutrition. Make healthy meal selections wherever possible and consume lots of water. Make sure you factor enough sleep into your schedule and don’t use that time to endlessly and mindlessly browse social media. Stay away from activities that are going to tire you out for days to come and keep a single-minded focus on your priorities right now. This too shall pass, and you’ll be happy you stayed true to yourself when results day comes.
Get help if you need it
Sometimes one feels so helpless and it may feel like you are stuck in a deep dark hole with no way of coming out. Give attention to the positives you encounter and embrace them. Consult school support staff to gain different perspectives on how to ease the fatigue and to get over negative feelings you may have. If you need additional assistance with the academic side of things, approach a teacher for guidance. If you need additional emotional support, ask trusted adults at home or at your school to assist in getting the support you need.
Keep your eye on the end goal
Commit to finishing strong. In your downtime, look at your path ahead – what dreams and aspirations will become accessible if you perform well during this stage of your academic journey? What avenues of study may open up for you? What possibilities and opportunities may arise?
At this time of year, it’s easy to get lost in the fog of studying and worrying, and it’s easy to lose perspective about the bigger world out there and the fact that all of this is part of life’s journey. The end of this year will soon come around, and your effort will be rewarded if you know that you gave it your all on the road to making your dreams a reality.
