Durban - The teenage years can be a tricky time.
Not only do teenagers have to deal with fluctuating hormones, coming to terms with physical changes and navigating their unique social territories, they also have to face the pressures of succeeding at school exams.
Much that they experience is out of our hands, but choosing the right bed for a teen is a great way to help ease stress .
New findings reveal that proper rest plays a key role in how students absorb information while studying for exams.
So choosing the right bed for a teenager can make a huge difference in aiding them in achieving optimum well-being at a time when pressures are high.
When it comes to studying, your teen’s productivity can’t simply be defined by the number of hours spent working. One must also take into consideration the effectiveness of that time spent.
In the past, we might have thought that spending hours on end studying was the height of productivity, but new research brings to light that studying without adequate rest may be counter-productive, causing fatigue that results in poor concentration and lower results when it comes to tests and exams.
Getting a good night’s rest also plays a huge role in your teen’s ability to cope under pressure and manage exam-time stress.
People tend to turn to sugar and caffeine to get energy levels up if they don’t give their bodies the rest and support they deserve. However, this is probably the worst thing to do during exam time as it creates extreme energy peaks and dips that wreak havoc with one’s stress-coping mechanisms, and hinders one’s ability to function at one’s best.
Choosing the right bed, and creating a quiet and comfortable bedroom environment for your teen will ensure he or she gets the best quality sleep possible, negating the need to turn to artificial stimulants.
You need to ensure your teen gets at least eight hours of sound sleep the night before an exam, to achieve optimal exam-time performance.
In addition, sleeping helps with the absorption of information, particularly if one falls asleep relatively soon after studying.
Research suggests that learning little by little, with structured rest periods in-between, helps the brain consolidate the information it has received and enhances memory.
It is best to buy a bed manufactured by a reputable brand to achieve maximum comfort to suit your teen’s needs.
The following are good ways to combat exam stress:
* Be prepared: Having a study schedule helps students plan properly and avoid feeling overwhelmed and needing to engage in last-minute cramming. Ensure your teen sets realistic goals and priorities so as to get the most important work done first.
* Learn to relax: This helps stressed-out students calm their nerves and enhance their overall well-being. Simply taking time to go for a walk around a garden, taking a few deep breaths, or stretching one’s shoulders can make a huge difference.
* Sleep easy: Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important tools for doing well at exams. Once he or she has the correct bed, ensure your teen sticks to a strict sleep routine so the body becomes accustomed to knowing when it is time to rest and when it is time to work.
* Eat healthily: Drinking enough water, eating regular wholesome meals, and moving the body helps keep energy levels consistent throughout the day. Keep healthy snacks, such as nuts and fruit, on hand during study time, and allow for periods of brief physical activity.
* Hang out: It is important to create balance in all areas of life, even during exam time. Chilling with friends in small doses is a great way for teens to relax, bounce ideas off each other, and blow off steam.
* Breedt is a spokeswoman for mattress and base-set retailer SleepMasters.
The Mercury