At least a third of adults are not getting enough sleep, impacting detrimentally on a range of health processes, including mood, energy and concentration, according to research.

One US survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that almost 35 percent of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep a night, sometimes leading to bad moods, low energy, difficulty in concentrating and a general inability to function adequately.

The survey indicated that sleep deprivation may increase the risk of several chronic health conditions, while other research indicates that sleep-deprived people report an increase in negative moods and poor concentration, focus and alertness.

The US Sleep Foundation says improved sleep may boost both short- and long-term cognitive performance.

SA health expert, Giulia Criscuolo said the current pandemic had upset routines and sleep cycles and the lack of adequate rest was impacting on cognitive abilities and concentration.  “Aim for at least eight hours of restorative sleep a night and take steps to improve sleep quality. Eat healthily, manage stress, exercise daily and try natural support aids for sleep, focus and energy, such as GO2, 100% natural essential oil inhalers which help stimulate the brain's limbic system which guides our emotional responses,” said Criscuolo.

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants and used for centuries for their therapeutic properties such as supporting calm, sleep, energy and alertness. Inhaling the oils may support the body to respond accordingly, Criscuolo added.

Martin Persson, from GO2 distributors, Stributique, said: “GO2 Inhaler Sticks are a game changer for natural health in SA because they are safe, easy to use and contain high quality, pure essential oils, known for their therapeutic, cosmetic, aromatic and spiritual support”.

Available online at https://beautybuy.co.za/, www.retailbox.co.za and selected Dis-Chem stores.

The idea of writing exams rarely brings about emotions of excitement and happy anticipation!  In fact, feelings of anxiety, panic and outright fear are what most parents and learners experience when exam time comes knocking at their door! Cindy Glass, Director and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres says “Generation after generation, people have passed on the baton of fear, anxiety and dread when it comes to exams. The stories are familiar to us all:

• You can fail!
• You may ‘go blank’!
• There is just too much work to remember.
• You are writing exams for the first time-good luck with THAT!

The list is frightening and seemingly endless and yet, it does not need to be this at all. Cindy gives these simple tips to consider that will help ensure that the upcoming exams are a healthy and more positive experience for your children.

1. As parents, YOU are your child’s first teacher. You set the tone in your home. Be mindful of not allowing your past fears of exams to influence how you encourage your child now. Embrace exams as an opportunity to learn and grow. Create an atmosphere of excited anticipation, especially if your child will be writing exams for the first time.
   
   
2. Get organised! Have a designated area for your child to study. The study area is a no-go zone for cellphones or any other distractions. Before a study session, decide what needs to be covered and how much time is needed.  Make sure that all stationery, learning materials and an exam pad are available before the study session begins.
   
   
3. Break the exam requirements into bite-size manageable pieces. Tick off completed sections as you go. Celebrate all positive progress.
5. Encourage children to put pencil-to-paper when studying. Learners are seven times more likely to remember new information when they write while studying.
   
   
6. Set realistic, achievable goals. Write down goals and put them up on the wall at study area.
   
   
7. Cover all the ‘easy-mark’ concepts and skills first. Tackle the more challenging one’s later.
   
   
8. Teach your child to do their best. Put in the effort and reap the rewards.8. Manage any fears and anxiety with positive affirmations. Teach your child to believe in his/her ability to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Cindy sums up by saying “As parents, it is your responsibility to set a positive, motivating environment in your home. Steer clear of your own fears and anxieties when it comes to exams. Show a sincere interest in your child’s progress and set an example of positive determination, remembering always that your children are more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say!”

About Step Up

Established in 2016, Step Up Education Centres is a dynamic after-school remediation and tutoring franchise with a difference. Step Up offers children an opportunity to succeed in a schooling system that is, at times, very unsympathetic.  From the moment, a child walks through a Step Up Education Centre door they feel different.  They no longer feel silly or stupid. They no longer feel misunderstood. They no longer feel judged. After just one lesson they feel hope. They see possibility. After a few sessions, they walk taller, feel smarter, do better. Why? Because Step Up believes that every child has potential… and our passionate educators will not give up until they reach it!                                                                                                                                               

Press release disseminated on Behalf of:
Cindy Glass
Director and Co-Founder of Step Up Education Centres

Disseminated by:
Carmen White
Account Manager
Sam Watt Marketing Communications
081 260 4011