Nowadays, it has become a common phenomenon for students to experience stress and anxiety during exam times. This can be due to lack of confidence, needing more preparation, proper diet and rest, lack of sleep, avoiding exercise, having an uncertain routine, and overthinking the exam results.
Stress and anxiety can be defined as a feeling of fear, panic, pressure, or tension. To help you control and avoid stress and anxiety during exams, I would like to share a few tips that can be of great help. These tips will not only help you control your emotions but also help you concentrate better on your studies.
A balanced diet, proper rest, and timely exercise. For appropriate functioning of the body's various systems, one needs the nutrients you get from food. The intake directly affects emotional and physical feelings. One will feel heaviness by eating a lot of sugary items or fats. A balanced diet helps manage feelings of stress and anxiety. Physical activities like running, swimming, walking, and other team games will give you a lot of energy and a sense of freshness. Yoga and meditation will help in controlling stress and anxiety.
Inhaling and exhaling with counts is followed by the repetitions by which your body and mind will be relaxed, leading to good concentration. While writing exams and even in regular studies, these breathing techniques will help lessen feelings of stress or anxiety.
Regular exercise is necessary to be fit and healthy and enjoy the daily routine. Sound sleep for 7-8 hours will help enhance performance in exams. Good sleep, especially during exams, is beneficial and necessary.
Socialising and Positive thoughts. The stress can be reduced by talking to someone close to you. The relation doesn't matter; it can be your close friend, parent, or family member. Sometimes, talking or interacting can make you feel better. Many times, positive thoughts or words may lead one to be focused or determined, like "I can do this," "I got this, "It's possible for me," and "I will try my best" should be written near the study table or area.
Self-confidence and setting goals. You know your strengths and weaknesses and face new challenges accordingly. Often, one needs to be able to show how much one has achieved or prepared. If your preparation is up to the mark, there should be no reason to worry or panic. The best and easiest solution is to change the negative to a positive thought. One should plan with a specific period depending on the time (hours/days weeks in hand) to accomplish or attain desired goals and how the intended target can be achieved with fecund efforts or by changing the strategies.
Everyone feels stressed at one time during exams. As a professional, the last take for you is that you confidently enjoy the journey of success. This is possible when you are less stressed and apprehensive. I want to conclude with a quote – The darker the night, the nearer the dawn. Victory in life is decided by that last concentrated burst of energy filled with the resolve to win.
Ishwar Deshmukh
The writer works at Indian School Salalah, and has been Head of Department of Physical Education with many reputed schools in India and Gulf countries
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