Beat the exam stress- Useful for students & parents

Sleep, eat, revise: beat that exam stress!Educational counsellors at YoungBuzz, a career guidance company, say that acceptance is the first way to deal with exam stress.
Exams are a part of life, be it professional, personal or academic.
According to YB, there are certain practical tips that can be done before the onset of exams:
1. Sleep well
Do not work all night. Get some sleep. Remember, your body needs rest.
You need at least six hours of sleep in order to start afresh.
2. Eat well
Eating a proper meal at regular times is very important. Eating properly would ensure you have enough energy to tackle your daily studies.
3. Talk to someone
If exams are really making you ill, worried or depressed, don't hide your feelings.
Talk to someone about it. A problem shared is a problem halved.
4. Take breaks
The concentration span of a human being is 45 minutes at a time. So don't tax yourself by trying to cram as much information as possible for hours.
When your mind is saturated with information, whether you put in one hour or ten, it does not make a difference -- nothing will go in.



5. Know your peak
Choose a time of the day when you feel most comfortable studying.
It could be early morning, late at night or in the afternoon, depending on your preference.
6. Plan your day
Try to establish a routine that allows time for meals, sleep, revising and relaxing.
You are allowed to enjoy yourself, and it is important to take a break from studies.
7. Get help
Ask a teacher or tutor about how to revise and how to work when you are in an exam.
8. Plan your work
Revise at times when you know you will work at your best.
9. Exercise
You need exercise to work well. Walk, run, play a sport -- whatever you enjoy.
10. Be positive
Stop thinking and worrying about the future and what will happen.
11. Do not mull
If it upsets you to talk to your friends about an exam when it is finished, don't do it!
In fact, don't even think about the exam you have finished. What is done is done. You cannot change what you have written!


Parents have had their own share of exams, be it in their personal, professional or academic life.
Certain tips that parents can follow during exams are:
1. Believe in your child
Parents of children taking exams are as stressed as their children are.
But the idea is to express confidence verbally as well as non-verbally, in the child's ability to do his/ her best. And to support them as they go about their task in their own way.
2. Do not judge
Judging can be a wrong approach, especially during a period of extreme stress like an exam.
You don't have to physically sit with your child and put the study material in his/ her head.
It matters if you are 'there' for them, so that they know you are there whenever your child needs you.
3. Be there
Providing a 'holding environment', a concept from child development, literally means holding your child, though not necessarily choking him/ her.
It is important that your child knows s/ he can call on you whenever s/ he needs you.
4. Do what your child likes
Take your child out for a walk; make his/ her favourite dish; discuss his/ her favourite game/ hobby.
That would help your child relax and lighten the pressure for some time.

5. Do not compare
Stop comparing your child with other children or siblings. Comparison often has a lifelong effect and may scar the child's self esteem permanently.
6. Understand your child's capacity
Learn to accept your child the way s/ he is.
You cannot suddenly expect him/ her to compete with the school protégé, but you can definitely encourage him/ her to do well in his/ her capacity.
Exams are a team effort for children and their parents.
And the best way to deal with them would be to support each other mutually during this stressful time.
Remember, exams are a part of your life and you have to give your best when you approach it.
But just treat them as a very important experience, which will only enhance your confidence for further exams.