Success in the examination

In this section, you will find the information about - how to prepare for exams, how to overcome exam fear, what are the responsibilities of parents, what kind of diet have to take on exam days. Also you will find the experts tips on the above topics.

 

Do’s:

• Study at a place with minimum distraction.
• Try to coincide study time with the time you would be giving your exams Prioritise the workload.
• Give your best concentration time to the toughest subject.
• Ask someone to give you a test or do self-test.
• Be sincere while writing for the test and observe a time deadline during exams, skip question that are causing you undue stress.
• Move to the next question and try to come back to the ones you skipped after you've solved the rest of the paper.

Don'ts:

• Do not let previous results discourage you.
• Identify your weak areas from previous exams and work on them .
• Don't stop enjoying life.
• One of the common mistakes children makes is to totally change the lifestyle. This is under the wrong assumption that if he isolates himself from all the leisure and fun times with friends and family and only study, then he will do better.
• Do not let negative energies surround you. As exams nears, you must know your concentration levels and study hoping for the best
• Avoid consuming too much coffee as caffeine affects the concentration level.

Exam tips for students and parents:

For students:

• Take breaks for 10 minutes after studying for an hour or so to refresh your mind. Go for walks, swimming, cycling for at least 20 minutes everyday
• Watch your breathing, tell your brain to relax, relax your shoulders
• Do not compare yourself with anyone
• Talk to a caring adult (parent, grandparent, teacher etc.) if you are feeling very anxious or depressed for more than a week

For Parents:

• If a child is biologically or genetically inclined to symptoms of specific learning disabilities or clinical anxiety, depression, neurological issues, etc then the child should be helped with concessions provided by the boards and / or by medical treatment
• The parents should also not be under their own peer pressure; they should know their child's strengths and weaknesses and help him / her accordingly.
• Parents should indulge in relaxation exercises to keep themselves calm
• They should not compare their child with anyone else, as each of us is different They should have a general Plan A (discussed along with the child for his college of choice, career, etc.) but importantly, should also have a plan B and plan C so that they have options to choose from. Failure of Plan A does not spell doom!

Article reference: Hemangi Naik, a counsellor in Seawoods talked to HT Live

Expert’s Answers to tackle exam fear:

What is exam stress?

It's the fear of student about performance. The fear of not getting admission in good college or a good job. It's also a negative thought of how to face parents and people around them in case of poor performance.

How to deal with it?

Students must challenge the thoughts that say `you are a failure and that you can't succeed.'They must remind themselves that it's just another exam and that he / she is capable of doing better. Judging oneself harshly won't help them do better.

They should not worry about admission and job. They should just concentrate on studies and be realistic about expectations.A below average student cannot become topper overnight. It is not impossible but it is a gradual process. Setting goals that are realistic will save them and their parents from disappointments.

When should one study -morning or night?

Children can study according to their choice. But they should ensure that they have enough sleep.Remember a human body requires an average eight hours sleep per day.So if a student thinks that he / she can get up early and feel fresh, then they can go to bed early and then get up early next morning and study.

On the other hand, if one thinks that he can study late in the night and can't get up fresh next day, then he / she should sleep late after studying and get up late next day.

How long should I study?

Don't study for more than two to three hours at a stretch.

Take a break. Go for a walk, do some exercises, call up friends and spend some time with family.Most children say that they don't have time for exercise during exams. But they are wrong.

Exercise is not only a stress buster but also has many other health benefits needed to keep fit during exams

What is the role of parents?

Parents should support and assure their children that marks alone are not going to decide their future. They must try to gain child's confidence and discuss his problem with him and help to find a solution. They must also guide them in planning, organising and setting timetable

Expert: Sam Skariah is an honorary faculty member of YMCA Counselling Centre,Mumbai

Diet tips during exam:

What to eat:

• Take small frequent meals to ensure that the blood and brain sugar levels are well maintained.
• Drink enough water to maintain the hydration level Take healthy snacks like channa, murmura with a few raisins, muesli, fruits, dhokla, roasted grains or idli
• Take a small measure of raw sprouts and five almonds Have a glass of tomato + carrot + beetroot juice daily as this complete health cocktail will ensure that you get lots of antioxidants which will increase the body immunity and help repair cell damage.
• To get a good night sleep, drink a glass of milk at bed time (asthmatics can skip this).

What not to eat:

• Avoid large and heavy meals as they tend to make you full resulting in you feeling a bit sleepy
  Avoid junk food as they increase the insulin rush, which result in restlessness, rapid heart rate and inability to concentrate. 
• These foods also cause sudden fluctuations in the levels of serotonin in the brain due to which the memory is affected Avoid processed food, artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolates, egg, fried food, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snack foods, foods containing preservatives or heavy spices.