The time has arrived—the scary, spooky exam season. Millions of students around the country will be gearing up for their exams. It is also the perfect time to highlight the academic pressure the students go through. India is infamous for an education system that puts students under tremendous stress. India, as a community, prizes academic excellence. And added expectations on top of that from family members can be an extra burden on students. Indian students often get compared to their peers. Whether it is by their parents, teachers, or society, each child is different. Learning happens through different modes and methods.
In recent years, there has been a change in the temperament towards examinations. Current implementations of specific curriculum measures have changed the attitude towards academic validation. The way parents, educators, and schools approach exams is also transforming. Holistic developments have allowed children to excel in their fields of interest. Praising an individual’s growth instead of marks can make a substantial difference.
Yet, scholars’ perspective on education in a competitive country resembles a rat race. The rush to get into a particular college or crack a specific exam can get overwhelming. Exam anxiety is a real thing. It emerges from the fear of failure. High expectations and a challenging curriculum are leading causes of distress among students. Experiencing brain fog, anxiety, and panic attacks can come from stress.
It would be best to remember that you don’t have to be so hard on yourself. Learn to find ways to help you cope with the tension during exam times. A calm mind and game plan can go a long way in creating a healthy environment during your examinations. Here are some tips for you to deal with the pressure that comes with exams and ace your tests:
Chart Your Study Plan
How you comprehend a particular topic can be entirely different from others. Some may find it easy to study directly from textbooks. In contrast, others prefer videos to further their understanding of the subject. Recognize your learning method for each subject and find out what works. Practicing sums and referring to the textbook can help you with math. And watching videos online might better understand scientific topics. You can find a practical approach that quickly demonstrates a science topic. Learning with tactile solutions can better understand a subject.
Or you might prefer mugging up a topic and then breaking it down for further understanding. In that case, keep going over the matter to get detailed information. You can write better answers when you comprehend a subject matter instead of remembering it. Reiterating can be extremely helpful. You can even take help from practice sheets and solve previous question papers.
Once you know your preferred method of learning and studying, make your timetable. Set realistic goals and balance extreme focus with brief moments of relaxation. Ensure that your time management is practical. Your routine should be achievable and has time for relaxation, exercise, and sleep. Try incorporating a short meditation session if you find that helpful. Study breaks are crucial when you have to sit for longer sessions.
The key is recognizing your goal and not burning yourself out.
Start Revising Early
Starting to revise at the 16th hour can often create more pressure. Give yourself enough time to understand the subject, solve practice tests, and review everything.
No matter the time left before the examination, you must accept a realistic outcome. Burning the midnight oil might not give you sufficient time to prepare efficiently. And when you try to cram everything the day before the exam, it can feel like the end of the world. Nervousness and the anxiety of the last minute can take away your productivity. According to researchers, stress hormones like cortisol can push you to perform in a frenzy. But the buzz gradually subsides and leaves you even more burnt out.
Therefore, it is crucial to manage the available time better. It is always best to start early and give yourself enough time to finish studying. So you can be calm and composed before the exam. Being well-prepared beforehand also boosts your confidence. And help you find a positive perspective towards your exams.
You save yourself from panicking at the last moment when you start early. Make sure that you have all the study materials beforehand. The best way to study efficiently is by being organized. Consider making flashcards of the topics you have already covered. When you want to revise a topic quickly, flashcards can be pretty handy.
Exercise Regularly and Eat Well
Break your time into short sessions followed by brief intervals. Try incorporating a short meditation session if you find that helpful. You might also consider adding some light exercises like walking or meditation.
Your physical fitness can impact concentration, mental health, and stress levels. Nutrition and fitness are essential aspects of your overall health. And extremely necessary for your holistic wellness and development. Exercise gives you a break from continuous studying. Find an opportunity to interact and play with friends and peers.
Moreover, physical activities release feel-good hormones like dopamine, which can help you manage stress and anxiety. Playing sports also gives you a chance to vent any pent-up frustration. It allows you to get back to learning with a fresh mind. A good and balanced diet nourishes the brain, helping you understand new information. You get the strength to memorize quickly. And it promotes overall mental performance and concentration. Staying healthy is essential to reaching your educational goals.
Form a Positive Support System
When you are preparing for exams, it sometimes might seem like you are preparing for a battle. And charging into a battle alone can feel scary. If you find studying alone a bit overwhelming, ask a friend to keep you company. You can review a mock test together or quiz each other. Look for people who motivate you. Make a study group with close friends who want to achieve the same educational goals.
Revising with peers is a practical study technique. It allows you to absorb your notes better. Furthermore, a study group provides emotional support from a community that understands your struggles. And can help you increase your confidence. Feel free to ask your peers to help you with challenging subjects. And offer the same for them too. When you teach someone a familiar topic, it also helps you. You get to ruminate over the subject matter.
Talk to your parents and teachers, and help them know what you are going through. Devise strategies together to find a helpful way to achieve your academic goals.
Talk to an Expert
It is natural to feel stressed out when you have a goal to achieve. No matter how much effort you put in, you might still get anxious about the results. In these circumstances, it is essential to talk to someone. If you feel talking to your parents or friends about your discomfort can help, try to start a conversation. You might find some reassurance when you have moral support. But, if you find your despair getting severe and are hesitant to open up about your mental state. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from an expert.
Seeking help from a professional can allow you to improve your mental well-being. It would be best to remember that mental health is as important as physical health. More importantly, it helps to talk to someone who has no preconceived notions of you. You can speak without restraint when you don’t fret over how someone might judge you based on your issues. When you are in the presence of a professional, you don’t have to worry about any scrutinizing notion over you.
The best way to overcome exam fears is to apprehend the root cause of your panic and anxiety. Therapists can help you understand it better. You might also get a clear sense of where your strengths lie. Talking to a professional can help you strategize how to cope with stress.
To Sum It Up:
The journey to achieve academic goals might get massively depressing as a student. Parents and teachers who place high expectations in a rigorous education system can be overwhelming.
But you are not alone. You can deal with exam stress and find positive coping mechanisms. Mental health is an essential aspect of your well-being. It would be best if you made your mental well-being a priority. You need a solid mindset to face your challenges. And it is possible to achieve this with the proper consultation.
A mental health professional can help you navigate and build strategies to deal with anxiety. You can boost focus, concentration, and motivation with the right counselor. Consult India’s top counselors and therapists at DocVita: docvita.com!