Beating the exam stress

“If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counsellor, caution your elder brothers, and hope your guardian genius.” Joseph Addison

When exams are around the corner, not only students but their parents also come under pressure. With competition intensifying day by day, students are forced to perform well in every exam and it ultimately leaves them worried and stressed. Some parents also tend to get overtly anxious and, albeit unintentionally, add to their children’s stress.

So, what is the best way to beat the exam stress? At first, parents need to be calm and supportive so that they can ease their children. Parents, for sure, need to stop comparing their children with anyone, even with their siblings. Children should not be pushed for better performance, instead parents need to de-stress their children so that they can perform better. Board examinations are the times of anxiety and stress. Parents, therefore, should lend their support to their children.

It is important for students not to let any temporary setbacks affect them. Pre-board exams might have left some students tense if their performance was not up to the mark. Do not brood over this, and focus on the areas where improvement is necessary.

Remember the difference between ‘Try’ and ‘Triumph’ is the ‘Umph’ factor! So get hold of yourself and say “I Can.”

Revision tips

• Plan and complete it on time. Set realistic goals.
• Know yourself well. Think when your brain works the best. Keep these time slots for difficult subjects.
• Prioritize your work plan. Do difficult subjects or topics first.
• Change subjects of study as per difficulty and your area of concern.
• Do practice writing while revising. Keep on making notes for the last-minute revision.
• Time management is very important. Avoid being stuck on any topic. If this happens, keep the topic aside and focus on it later.
• Monitor your progress by appearing in mock tests. Sit for a three-hour test, preferably as per the timings of the exam.
• Make sure you allocate adequate time for fun and relaxation as well while keeping away from distractions.
• Study smart. Keep asking questions to yourself. Reinforce the important points of answering a question. Keep using diagrams, flow charts, formulae, etc. frequently.
• Revise regularly.

Stay healthy

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” -Corrie Ten Boom

So wisely said, and yet we fail to practice it and use the present constructively for our benefit.

• Remember, it is important to relax. You can perform at your best only if your body and mind get adequate rest. Follow a regular sleep pattern.
• Prevent mental fatigue. Take regular breaks. Go for those activities that maintain the continuity of studies during these breaks also.
• Keep up with simple exercises that are effective in relieving stress.
• Take your meals on time. Ensure that they are rich in vitamins and proteins. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and sufficient water intake are a must.

The power of positive thinking

• Concentrate all your thoughts on the work at hand. Remember, “The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” Alexander Graham Bell
• The exam at the moment is your goal. So, set your eyes on your exam only.
• Concentrate and bring to focus all your thoughts and efforts to achieve your goal.

“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” Benjamin Franklin

Wishing all students good luck for the examination ahead!

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