Ease into exams

Exams are unavoidable for most part of life. However, an unhealthy emphasis on the results of a few exams, like board exams and entrance tests, put young students under enormous pressure. Here are a few tips to cope with examination phobia.

• Plan a revision timetable and start planning well before exams begin. Take your teachers or parents help to do so. Jumpstarts and cramming madly just before exams put too much pressure. Many last minute crammers end up falling ill on the day of the exams.
• Make your books, notes etc., easier to use by preparing summaries, headings, sub headings, highlighting and revision cards. Get more revision tips from teachers and friends. Essentially you must do what suits you best.
• Revision routines are individual specific. Therefore, as we have already said, find out what routine works best for you, alone or with a friend; morning or late at night; short, sharp bursts or longer revision sessions.
• Make notes on important topics as you revise. This will be helpful during future revision, or when you need clarification from a teacher. This will also help you register your subjects well. One of the best methods to develop confidence is to attempt previous papers.
• If you do not understand something, ask for help from a teacher or some one who knows the subject.
• If you feel stressed out, talk to someone. Getting worries off your chest will make you more willing to take in what you learn.
• Last minute revision is better avoided as it makes you nervous. Besides, last minute cramming is not conducive if you wish to understand certain concepts. Mechanical learning keeps you where you were - at the starting point.
• Subjects that you are not fond of require lots of revision. Do not keep them for the last minute. Constant revising will make tough subjects easier to understand.
• Overnight cramming tires your body and brain. You can only do well when your body and mind are healthy.
• It's important to eat and sleep well. Do not skip meals or eat in a hurry. Small meals (like snacks) at regular intervals will make you less sluggish. And most importantly, get adequate sleep. A seven-eight hour sleep will freshen your mind and body.
• Put yourself first -- it is an important time for you. Talk to your family and find out how they can make studying easier for you. If you feel disturbed due to loud music or television, you should tell your family to keep volumes low. A personal room during exams will keep your mind from wandering.
• Finally, don't revise all the time. Take breaks to do things you enjoy and help you relax.
• Don't forget that there is a life beyond revision and exams.

On exam day

• Have a good breakfast. It will provide the energy and nourishment you need. Ensure you eat food that is not greasy or difficult to digest.
• Leave for the examination hall well in advance.
• In case you have to appear for an exam in another school or college, visit the examination hall a few days before the exam so that you do not have to find out it's location on the D-day.
• Take everything you'll need, like for instance extra pens, water, pencils, eraser, stapler etc.
• Go to the toilet before an exam. Going to the toilet during the exam may break your concentration.

And finally, If you feel anxious or tense, take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly, it helps! A wonderful way to bust anxiety is to inhale a deep breath and count to 20 and then slowly exhaling.

When you get the question paper

Examination Results
If you have done well, great.

If your results are below expectations:
Failure or bad result is not the end of life. You can opt to reappear. Besides, there'll be lots of opportunities to prove yourself in life.

Get it off your chest

That while preparing for exams or on result day, let your emotions out. Bottling up is bad for your heart and mind. If you feel that you can't cope with the pressure, talking to someone you trust is the best way out.

Make your parents read this·
Encourage your child, do not put unwarranted pressure.

Best of luck!