Kid’s Org.: Exam Stress

• Know the topic:

Before preparing for examinations one should be thorough with the syllabus. In other words the time you devote on one topic depends on its weightage of marks.
q Visualise success instead of negative thoughts of failure:
Have the hope of success. Never think of failure during the days of exam. Have positive thoughts and say to yourself that exams are going to be very easy and I will do well in the exams because I am an intelligent student. Take things lightly- Be brave. If the thought of failure is disturbing you too much then think “No one is going to shoot me if I fail in the exams’’. Think I am trying my level best no matter if I fail. Think that many other students are also appearing for the exams, if the paper will be difficult, it will be equally difficult for them too.

• Don’t ask your friend about his preparation:

Usually students call their friends to ask about their preparation during the exams. It is not good because if you ask your friend and you come to know that he has revised more chapters than you, you start thinking, “Oh! I am lagging behind, I may not be able to complete the chapters before the exams”. It increases your stress. Similarly, if your friend is more stressed and you come to know about his stress, it influences you as well.

• Convert your worry time into study time:

While preparing for exams never think about the time you have wasted throughout session. It is of no use now, so forget about it . Think about the time which you have and start your preparation. .It will give you courage and stress will not overcome you. Start preparation for the exams. One can see the results of many students who were not prepared for the exams but by utilising the time effectively they scored high marks.

• Make a plan:

Working out how much time you have for revision start planning how you can use it best by making a timetable. Another technique recommended by all time management experts is taking what feels like an overwhelming task and breaking it down into manageable chunks. Perhaps you need to spend more time on some subjects than others? Vary the timetable so you don’t get bored. You can always update the plan, if necessary, as you go along.

• Select the best time:

Study when you are most alert. We all have slightly different body clocks – are you a night owl or a dawn lark? Everyone has different revision styles – maybe you like to sit at a tidy library desk or on the bed. Wherever you feel calm and in control, is the best place for preparing for the exams.

• Take a break:

Psychologists suggest that we can only concentrate properly for about 45 minutes at one stretch, while neuroscientists tell us that the longer we try and focus on one thing; the less our brains are able to deal with it effectively. Take breaks to stay refreshed. Instead of cramming in more revision or, indeed, stressing over how to deal with exam stress, the best thing might simply be to do something completely different.

• Get exercise:

This is probably one of the best ways of dealing with exam stress. Anything from walking the dog to going for a swim, run or bike ride helps reduce physical tension that can lead to aches and pains, and releases natural feel-good brain chemicals. If you can’t get motivated, rope in with good friends who have got a positive attitude.

• A good sleep:

A good bath and not watching TV or going on a computer, phone or tablet will help you switch off. Despite that if you still can’t sleep, don’t panic. Do some light reading, and you will go to sleep. You should have a good sleep of minimum 8 hours the previous night.

• Relaxation:

If you are really anxious, find a calm, quiet space and try breathing deeply in and out for a few minutes, focusing your mind on something pleasant, like a beautiful place with happy memories – anything that helps you wind down. You can practice yoga too.

• Talk about it with someone:

Almost everyone finds exams stressful – so you are not alone. Expressing your worries to a good friend, family member, your school tutor or a student counselor will help get them out of your system.

• Keep electronic gadgets at bay:

Keep your mobile phones, laptops away while studying for the exams.

• Reward yourself:

Build in treats to your timetable – anything you can look forward to as a reward for sticking to it. Plan something exciting to celebrate the end of the exams.

• Eat well

Keeping your blood sugar levels steady so that you don’t have energy dips during the day and can sleep well at night is a vital way of dealing with exam stress. Avoid lots of processed, sugary foods like cereal, biscuits, sweets and chocolate. Lean protein like chicken, salmon or egg, plenty of vegetables and carbohydrates that release their energy slowly like wholegrain bread, rice and pasta will keep energy levels steady. Pulses like chickpeas and lentils are great for vegetarians (and others), since they contain both protein and slow-release carbs.
If you are so nervous before an exam that you can’t eat, then don’t worry, your body will catch up later – but do make sure that you keep yourself hydrated.          —Aniket Raja