This time next week the ICAEW July Advance Information will have been published, you will be starting the preparation work for your ICAEW Case Study exam and, yes, the Training-by-Eos team will be analysing it alongside you!

Over the last few weeks, we have been sharing tips and advice on how to be prepared for the Case Study exam from creating a study plan to building up your speed and stamina. 

This week we shift focus to something we all tend to neglect, more so now than ever before as the pandemic has presented extremely challenging conditions.    

Intentional Rest!

If you look at the methods of high-performance teams – from motorsport to athletics - you will find intentional rest to promote recovery.

Why is rest important? When you exercise you create small tears in your muscles which, if controlled, help your muscles become stronger. But here’s the thing ………

This only happens if you give your body a chance to rest and repair.

The importance of rest and recovery during your ACA Case Study preparation

Everyone knows that exams are stressful. What you may not know is increased levels of cortisol combined with spending hours at your desk studying, along with the day to day demands of life, can have far-reaching consequences on your physical health.

So less is more. You need to build rest days into your study plan.

Building in designated rest periods will allow you to enjoy them guilt-free. Socialise with family and friends; get outside for that walk, run or bike ride; keep in good shape in the gym or practising your yoga; unwind with your favourite film, music or video game. Whatever it is that helps you to stop stressing over work or exam concerns make sure you are dedicating time to do it.

This week’s challenge: Update your study plan

This week your task is to build in some dedicated time rest to ensure you let your body and mind recover.

This sounds like a hard task. But intentional rest does not mean doing nothing for a number of hours. It is about breaking away from the demands on your time and giving yourself some space to breathe and reset emotionally. Find what works for you.

Get your study plan and mark up some intentional rest periods. No work, no study and no stress.