But they pave the way for a new beginning
Children, exams are just to assess how much you have learned.It is not the end of the world if you do not fare well in them. The term ‘examination’ or ‘test’ can scare people of all age groups. Your grandmother or grandfather may be equally scared of regular medical tests that they undergo even if it is for a routine check up. So just relax!
It is natural that students get stressed during exams, irrespective of their preparation. Exam stress varies for different students. Exam stress is the worry of ‘If I fail’. This worry will not let you study for exams. You should know how to cope with exam stress. A little stress is good that keeps you motivated but don’t let the exam stress overcome you.
Utilise the time properly: Suppose you are not well prepared for exam as you have not studied throughout the year, you still can achieve your target by smart study technique that is by dividing the syllabus/chapters according to their weightage and concentrating on all topics accordingly. Use bullet points, flowcharts, web diagrams etc to cover your topics as they help you learn faster. This will enable you to study well.Focus on understanding the concepts rather than mugging:Use mnemonics if rote learningis the only way out. It is important to keep your mobile phones switched off while studying. It will help you concentrate better.
Remember that you can’t go back to make a better beginning, but you can always start now and make a better ending.
Visualise success instead of negative thoughts of failure: Have the hope of success. Never think of failure during the days of exam. If you are thinking about failure during the exam, it means you are inviting stress to overcome you. Never think like “what if I fail in the coming paper”. Have positive thoughts and say to yourself that exam is going to be very easy.
Don’t ask your friends about their preparation: Usually students call their friends to ask about their preparation during exam. It is not good because if you ask your friend and you come to know that he has revised and prepared more chapters than you, you start thinking, “oh I am lagging behind, I may not be able to complete the chapters before papers”. It increases your stress.
Take things light – Be Brave
If thought of failure is disturbing you too much, don’t lose heart. No one is going to shoot you if you fail in your exams. Think you are trying your level best no matter if you fail. If the paper is difficult, it will be difficult for all, not just for you. Keep reminding yourself that your hard work will not go waste.
Think about the time after the exam:Visualise the happiness on your face when the stressful period is over. This works very well.
Get plenty of sleep:It is essential to get proper sleep and rest as it will keep your mind fresh and help you to memorise and comprehend complicated concepts better.
Exercise:Physical exercise like running, jogging or skipping for 15-20 minutes everyday will make you feel stress free and mentally fit.
Do Sample Papers: Doing sample papers will help you check if you are finishing the exam in the stipulated time period. Ifpratice test are available online or in the market, go for them. Many questions are similar to or verbatim from practice material.
Organise:Make sure you have all the things necessary for the exam such as stationery, your identity card, hall ticket, watch etc. Last-minute searching for things can stress your mind further and create panic during the exam which can be disastrous.
Diet:Before you go for the exam, eat food that is energy producing and at the same time not too heavy on your stomach that make you sleepy in the examination hall. Never go for an exam on an empty stomach as it may make you feel weak and cause you nautia . Fruits and proteins are good source of energy. Avoid intake of heavy carbohydrates like rice and potatoes which will make you sleepy. Always carry a water bottle to the exam hall to rehydrate. Food rich in vitamins and proteins, such as green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, are a must. The nutrients will help your brain stay sharp. Don’t drink too much coffee, tea or fizzy drinks. Caffeine will keep you up and reduce the clarity ofyour thinking.
Relax:One hour before the exam, relax!! Don’t stress yourself feeding more information to your already worked-up brain. Whatever you have learned, be confident of it and try to picture a calm stream, or take some deep breaths. You have done your preparation and now you should prepare yourself to give your best. A tired mind will do no good, so it is necessary to go into the hall with a refreshed mind. Always reach your examination center atleast half an hour before the examination.
Plan:Once you get the question paper in your hand, read all the questions and make a quick rough plan how you are going to investyour time for doing your best. Mark the questions which you know the best and attempt them first. In this manner, you will increase your confidence further. Appreciate yourself for remembering the solutions and answers; your brain will work better.
Cross-check:It is very, important to check your answers again in the end. The last 15 minutes should be to review your paper. Recheck every answer with patience and you will be surprised by how many careless faults you come across. Make the necessary corrections.
Forget:Most of the time after the exam is over, we worry about the results or waste time discussing what our friends have written. Realise that the time to do something about the paper is over with when you handed the answer sheet to the examiner. Knowing how your friend did the paper will only add to your worries. Accept that everybody tries their best in the exams. Do not lose your time and peace of mind trying to know how others did. Concentrate on how you will face your next exam or how you are going to spend your time efficiently.
Above all have faith in yourself and God. Best of Luck from Organiser.
— Aniket Raja
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