Having taken on the CeMAP study required to become a qualified mortgage adviser, you will want to ensure that you pass the final exam, so that you may start within your working role as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, we looked at how taking regular planned breaks and sticking to a healthy balanced diet can help, but now it’s important to make sure that you minimise stress and remain calm in the run up to and for the exam itself, and there are a few things you can do to keep calm and remain focused:
Breathe
It’s a simple and vital technique, but in concentrating so hard, a number of people hold their breath for extended amounts of time, which limits the oxygen getting to the brain. Adopt a deep breathing technique to keep focused and calm.
Work out
Anything that boosts your heart rate and gets the blood pumping around your body is useful. Activities such as running, swimming and walking can remove feelings of stress and anxiety.
Stretch
Gentle stretches such as those adopted during a yoga workout can reduce stress as you elongate your limbs and stretch your muscles.
Pat a pet
Research has shown that spending time with a dog or cat can help. Patting the animal is good for reducing blood pressure, not to mention putting you in a good mood.
Wash your stress away
A warm shower or bath can increase the blood flow within your body, and a shower can be directed onto an area that may be causing discomfort if it is tense and knotted, which in turn reduces or even removes any stress and tension felt.
Communicate your thoughts and feelings
It is important to acknowledge if you are feeling a little anxious or stressed in the run up to your exam. Talking things through with friends or family is great for identifying what’s causing the stress and what you can do to reverse it.
Alternatively, if you don’t have anyone to talk to, or maybe don’t feel confident in confiding in someone, get a notebook and write everything down. Even if nobody sees it, it can be a great stress reliever.
Treat yourself
Having stuck to your study plan, allow yourself a bit of time away from the books. Down pens and study material, choose your favourite film, a hot chocolate and a blanket and relax on the sofa. Really unwind from all the study, get a great night’s sleep and wake ready to take the next step in your career by passing your CeMAP exam in a calm and confident manner.
