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Emotional safety during examinations

Mid-year exams have begun and with crunch time comes emotional upheaval. However, it is manageable and should not deter you from the end-goal of succeeding in your studies while maintaining high mental health standards.

“The exam period is a time when stress and anxiety levels are higher than usual. Stress can be positive and help you stay motivated and focused. However, too much stress can be unhelpful and can make you feel overwhelmed, confused, exhausted and edgy,” says Dr Melissa Barnaschone, Director of Student Counselling and Development at the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Helpguide.Org: Trusted guide to mental & emotional health, “Mental and emotional health is about being happy, self-confident, self-aware, and resilient. People who are mentally healthy are able to cope with life’s challenges and recover from setbacks. But mental and emotional health requires knowledge, understanding, and effort to maintain. If your mental health isn’t as solid as you’d like it to be, here’s the good news: there are many things you can do to boost your mood, build resilience, and get more enjoyment out of life.”

For further details on topics including: Building Better Mental Health, Emotional Intelligence Toolkit, Benefits of Mindfulness, Improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cultivating Happiness, visit the Help Guide. 

Dr Barnaschone has a few tips on how Kovsies can better approach academic anxiety during the examination period. Here is what she has to say:

News Archive

Kovsie Alumni appeals to the community to support Prof. Jansen
2009-10-28

Kovsie Alumni expresses its shock and astonishment about the sharp criticism that Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been enduring since his inauguration as the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Prof. Jansen’s balanced speech at his inauguration was received with a standing ovation by the guests present. These guests were not only representative of the UFS community, but also of the broader South African society.

The memories of the illustrious inauguration event faded within days. Political opportunists who only criticise the Reitz announcement and do not contextualise the inaugural speech, contribute towards mass polarisation, distrust and suspicion. This stands in sharp contrast to Prof. Jansen’s message of reconciliation, unity and hope.

Prof. Jansen’s announcement that the consultation process has been re-opened is welcomed. Kovsie Alumni trusts that all role players, including the critics, would make constructive contributions. In the final instance, everybody should act in a remedial manner towards 9 persons whose lives have been changed irrevocably, namely 5 black workers and 4 white students.

Kovsie Alumni appeals to the community to support Prof. Jansen in his endeavours to remove obstacles in the way of making the UFS a world-class university. Former students, parents and other stakeholders must collectively accept the responsibilities that he has already identified.

Media release
Issued by: Naudé de Klerk
Chairperson: Kovsie Alumni
011 678 1988 / 082 551 3151
naude@edk.co.za  

Mauritz Randlhoff
Vice-Chairperson : Kovsie Alumni

Pule Molalenyane
Vice-Chairperson: Kovsie Alumni
28 October 2009

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