CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE
SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOU EFFECTIVELY MANAGE STRESS
What after class 12? It is the most plaguing question on the mind of every child, and parent for that matter. Should it be engineering, medicine, law, fashion, liberal arts, mass communication, defence services or management? Decode the puzzle with tips from experts, as where to study and what are the career prospects.
Experiencing anxiety before sitting for an examination is very common. All students, average or intelligent, go through the pre-exam jitters. Anxiety can be broadly classified into—good anxiety (or eustress), which puts positive pressure on the mind while preparing for exams so that one can perform optimally, and bad anxiety (or distress), which leads to problems such as restlessness, palpitations, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, sleeping and eating too less or too much, fear of failure and impending doom, bouts of sadness and crying uncontrollably, and in extreme cases, suicidal ideation.
It is not just students performing decently who go through anxiety. Often toppers also come to me a few days before their final exams with complaints of panic attacks and extreme incapacitating anxiety. They feel they are not able to remember anything that they have learnt. Despite working hard, the burden of staying on top and getting maximum marks is what leads to this situation. Parental expectations and teacher’s presumptions don’t help either.
Exam anxiety is something that can be treated and even completely prevented if students follow some basics of preparation. 1 It is important to read and study regularly throughout the year instead of cramming in subjects at the last minute. 2 Manage time efficiently by making subject-wise timetables and setting goals based on the chapters. Give equal stress to all subjects and put aside time for challenging topics. 3 Study difficult topics early in the morning or when you feel your concentration is at its best. Leave the easier topics for later in the day. 4 It is extremely important to get six to eight hours of undisturbed sleep everyday to allow the brain time to comprehend and consolidate whatever has been learnt. 5 A balanced diet with nutritious food and adequate water intake is a must throughout the year. 6 Avoiding intoxicants of any kind, especially the night before the exam. 7 Regular exercise, such as yoga, pranayama, brisk walking, or any sports activity is required for both physical and mental relaxation. 8 Indulge in deep abdominal breathing for five to ten minutes whenever you feel anxious. This allows oxygen to enter the brain and helps in calming down the mind. 9 Voice out anything that clogs your mind. Express all negative thoughts and feelings truthfully to parents, teachers, elders, friends or siblings. 10 Be realistic and practical with your expectations. You are the best judge of your capabilities.