The super-stressful time of the year is here again. Blame it on the increasing competition or sometimes, parental pressure, exam stress is ever growing and tension brews every year. Even after studying for a whole year, a child is assessed with a few-hour test. Examinations are no longer seen as a positive challenge, rather they have become a way to judge students on just one perspective: How well they have done in their academics?
All these viewpoints leave children as well as parents to freak-out during these stressful months. They become stressed, anxious and restless, which may not only impact your child's performance but also could be hazardous to his mental and physical well-being. TOI health team has curated some beneficial and effective tips for parents as well as children to cope with exam stress and nervousness.
As much as the pressure brews on children, so it does for the parents who too get stressed and tensed. The simple tip is: rather than freaking out, help your child stay stress-free and help him with his studies.
TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN: Often parents leave their children in an aloof room so as to make them concentrate on their curriculum. Indeed, your child needs peace and concentration, but ensure they shouldn’t be left alone for a longer duration. Don’t stop them from playing for at least an hour or if they want to indulge in any other activity, let them do that. Also, talk to them about exam stress if you sense any discomfort. This would help them in relieving stress and anxiety.
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IT’S OKAY IF THEIR ROOM IS MESSY: If your child leaves room messy, that’s okay. Don’t pressurize them for extra chores. Remember, they are already stressed and making them do little things will not give them space, when they can focus on their studies.
REASSURE YOUR CHILD OF YOUR LOVE AND AFFECTION: Even if there is no parental pressure, students still become nervous and stressful. This is quite natural and the right time when you can reassure your children of your love and support. Try to boost their confidence and make them understand that exams are not an end for them.
HELP THEM STAY HEALTHY: Meditate with your children and keep an eye on what they eat and how much do they relax. Provide healthy snacks to them and keep them out of an eat-sleep-study cycle.
AVOID COMPARISON: Every child is different, so are their areas of interest. You might not notice it but if not in academics, maybe your child is good in extra-curricular activities. Comparing them with other children will only make things worse and can demotivate them.
HELP YOUR CHILD EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS: Try to explore what your child is good at. Apart from academics, there are a lot of career options for your child. Help your child explore his/her area of interest and let them pursue it.
Now, if you feel a little stressed and anxious, it’s normal. You would want to do well and excel in your own field. But staying too stressed can be harmful for your performance. Here’s what you can do to minimize your exam pressure…
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF: If you want to do well, you have to eat healthy and stay healthy. Some students are in the habit of staying awake and study till the last hour, which is not at all a healthy practice. This will not only end in confusion but you may feel sleepy during your exams.
TAKE OUT TIME FOR RELAXATION: If you take out time for fun, you will feel fresh and can perform better. That doesn’t mean you forget studying. Staying balanced is the key to success.
GOOD SCORES VS GOOD JOB: Remember, good scores do not always mean good jobs. There are many great personalities who failed first but excelled in their areas of interest. Give your 100 per cent but if you don’t score good, it’s okay.
TALK TO YOUR SIBLINGS AND PARENTS: Your siblings and parents had gone through this pressure. Hence, they are the best people with whom you could share your emotions and stress. They can guide you well and could give you best advice for success.
