The demands on our time are competing and varied.That said, it is often the case that as a result of pressure, our lives are made fulfilling and enjoyable. However, when an additional ingredient is thrown into the pot, preparing for the F5 paper on target costing for example, the pressures can rotate of the normal axis and become "stressful".

"The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them" is how the Health and Safety Executive defines stress.  It is not unexpected then, that a heavy ACCA exam workload, limited time and high standards can change or normal feelings into those of fear and panic.

{Stress causes the mind and body to react in a type of “fight or flight” manner, producing strong and generally unhelpful physical and emotional symptoms The mind and body reacts to stress with a kind of "fight or flight" response which can result in often detrimental physical and emotional symptoms Stress can produce intense and harmful physical and emotional symptoms akin to a "fight or flight" reaction}. Thankfully, there are a number of tried and tested ways to shrink the mountain of stress can back down to more molehill proportions not despair, as there are several well used ways that can taken to reduce down the stress mountain to a more manageable size.

As a start, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is recommended that as much work is done before those final busy weeks i.e "pre work"; prioritising and planning should help this process. However, if pre work is no longer possible, it is vital to concentrate only on what can realistically be finished in the available time. By accepting that there are tasks that are sometimes beyond your control and instead concentrating efforts on those that are not, you’ll find your time management much more effective.

Also, the physiological downsides can be minimised by keeping the body healthy, fit and rested. Eating a well balanced diet, taking exercise, relaxing and getting enough sleep will help fend off the ravages of stress and keep the body responsive and full of energy.    

Notwithstanding, it is important to guard against the emotional traumas of stress. Gaining support by discussing the situation with peers and friends, making time just for yourself and taking breaks as well as utilising the pastoral help available, for example the F5 advice at the ACCA Resources. In the end, it is imperative to adopt a positive mental attitude. As Churchill proffered " I am an optimist. It doesn’t seem too much use being anything else”.

Stress is preventable and controllable; the pressures of ACCA exams are unavoidable pressures of ACCA exams are inescapable but stress can be stopped and managed. However, with the right frame of mind can have a huge beneficial influence on exam performance.

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