Exams are just around the corner. Today’s challenges are different. Many students worry about the future, lack concentration and also seem exhausted. Without being in the classroom for the past two years, students appear for their 10th and 12th board exams. To help them through these testing times, here are seven tips for all students as exam season approaches.
Online to Offline
The transition from online multiple choice tests to offline exams in the past two years can seem daunting. The fears melt away when students understand that many multiple choice questions are a long answer. Practicing writing answers from test papers can build confidence and kill panic. Answering small mock tests at home/school instills courage and rewires the body. The brain is malleable and adapts easily.
Voltages and Temperature
‘Studies are like water, it evaporates when it’s boiled!The emotional climate in the house must be optimal. Overly anxious, angry, frightened or sad parents destroy the child’s memory. It is important for parents to manage stress by sharing their fears with their loved ones and getting enough sleep. Parent-teacher associations can help with this. Short exercises will help dissolve the tears, fears and anger of mothers and fathers. When children are between 15-18 years old, parents may be in menopause or andropause. If there are bad mood swings, parents should seek professional help. Sharing feelings with their departments works much better than demeaning adjectives or sarcastic taunts at children.
Markers and Milestones
10e/12e exams are not a milestone but a stone with many miles to go. If you score 90% or more you may not be a hero and if you score 50% you are not zero. The Indian boards do not track all your skills and cannot test all your talents. Working hard for your exams increases self-esteem, your self-esteem and makes one very disciplined. Displaying a goal to score may inspire a few, while many may simply freak out. Most do well when numbers aren’t discussed. Remember that your performances are not to make your parents happy. Parents will be with you for the rest of your life. Don’t discuss college admissions now. Studying for entrance exams can continue after the 12th board exams.
Breaks and Breakthroughs
Study for 30 to 40 minutes with breaks of 10 minutes each. Concentrating on the page will help you complete most of the syllabus. Some of us are like owls who can read well late at night and others are like larks who do well in the morning. Don’t stay up all night. Inflammation problems can be solved by reading things you already know as a starter or just reading without learning. Learning begins when your mind becomes calm and relaxed. At this point, study as much as you can without worrying about the overall content. Words that rhyme are better remembered. So you can turn matter into rhyming songs. Remember that exams are now the test of your memory and not critical thinking.
Stress and solutions
Share your fears with your favorite teacher, parent or friends. Sleep enough for at least seven hours and remember Sleep is also about architecture and not just math† Rhythmic doses of dreams and deep sleep are essential. Long naps in the afternoon are not recommended. Sleep deprivation is worse than an inability to sleep and will destroy your memory. Sitting on gadgets for long periods of time and at night is a sure-fire recipe for performance degradation. Play with your arms and legs and not your fingers for 30 minutes a day. This improves the brain’s ability to read, remember, and recall during exams. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy. Simple short breathing exercises, yoga, meditation help to calm the senses.
Disturbing thoughts and destructive emotions
I may not remember what I learned in the exams. I may not score well. I may not get admission to a good university. I feel empty. I’ve had a breakup. These are some of the thoughts that may bother you. They can come and go and in most cases won’t be much of a problem. If it takes longer, distract yourself with a short walk, a short shower, some music, a quick jig, or micropranayama. You can also comfort yourself by hugging your mom or sharing it with peers.
If you analyze your past achievements, you will understand that these thoughts are irrational. If these problems bother you for too long and don’t diminish, seek help from teachers or counselors. If you are in love, keep in touch and help each other with your studies. If you’ve had a breakup, share your feelings with family, friends, teachers, or a counselor. Remember that class 10 boards are easier than your 9th standard exams and your 10th pre-boards. As for future admissions, each student will get one. There are no brand schools, the student is the powerful brand.
Emergency and Disabilities
Students undergoing counseling or medication for emotional distress or mental disorders require special attention. Teachers should be assigned as mentors for close supervision during exams and beyond. The families affected by job losses, inability to pay fees, deaths from COVID must stay under the school’s radar. Handling them and providing emotional and educational support is a must. Those with disabilities must be personally met and supervised during the exams and even after. Teachers should be just a phone call away during exam season.
When students are going to take exams, parents should wish them much and without fear. Wishing each other too much relaxes children. After the exams, the parents should refrain from doing post-mortem of the performances. Leave them alone.
There are many exams worth living for and no exams worth crying or dying for!
dr. Harish Shetty is a psychiatrist at the Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital and has extensive experience in the mental health field. has been in conversations with students throughout his career. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views of this publication.
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