How to Handle Board Exam Stress After the Pandemic

With the pandemic easing across most places, students who spent the last two years in online classes are suddenly faced with the prospect of offline board exams. The return to normalcy is proving to be a bumpy ride for many who had acclimatised to the online mode.

Anxiety, low concentration levels, and exhaustion are common signs of stress noticed among young students.

Here are some helpful ways to handle board exam stress and get past the pre-exam jitterbugs.

Mock tests : After answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs) during the last two years of online schooling, you have to now get back to answering long answer-type questions. The key is to realise that the long answers are, in reality, a combination of many MCQs.

Since you would have lost practice answering questions in actual pen and paper mode, you are likely to be worried about not completing your paper in time, among many other fears. If the thought of answering the question paper causes you to panic, start attempting earlier years’ question papers and other mock tests. Once you develop a comfort level with writing an offline paper, you will be less stressed writing the board exam paper.

Talk to your parents and teachers : Excessive stress, fear for that matter, even anger can affect your memory. In the run-up to the exams, talk to your parents and teachers if you are overly stressed. They will help you manage your apprehensions or may seek help from your school counsellor in this regard.

Exercise and get sufficient sleep : Scientific research has proven that studying all night is detrimental to success in your exams. Eight hours of sleep is essential when you are preparing for exams.

Likewise, whenever you participate in physical activity, blood flows to the brain. Therefore, even 20 minutes of exercise before you start studying can enhance your concentration levels, and you can study with greater focus.

Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are known to have a calming effect on the stressed mind.

Take intermittent breaks : Typically follow a routine that involves studying for 30-40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break. Focus on small portions rather than being consumed by the thought of the entire syllabus. Small breakthroughs will get you to your final destination.

Limit caffeinated drinks : Avoids all sources of caffeine, such as tea, coffee, aerated colas, and chocolate, after 3 pm. Its effect lasts on the body for at least six to eight hours, interfering with sleep schedules.

Memory games : Similarly, cover as much syllabus as possible without worrying about whether you are retaining the entire content. Try to find ways to memorise; for example, using flashcards, pretending to teach someone else, and using rhymes are great ways to boost memory.

Cut down on gadget time : Long afternoon naps are not advised, but sleeping eight continuous hours at night is essential. Depriving yourself of sleep is even more harmful than not getting sleep. Using gadgets at night disturbs sleep as they stimulate your mind. Further, sleeping close to devices can also lead to unwanted awakenings by notifications, pop-up lights, and sounds.

Balanced diet : Do not skip meals. Eating healthy and proper water intake can energise your system, enhance your alertness levels, and help you endure the days leading to the exam and during exam hours.

Have positive thoughts : Believe in yourself and share your fears, anxieties, and personal stressors with a trusted adult.

Here again, you could try diversion techniques like a short walk, a refreshing shower, some soothing music, or probably even a light dance step. Speaking to your parent/grandparents or trusted adults can be highly de-stressing and motivate you to write your board exam paper in the best frame of mind.

We hope these hints will help you take on your exams with confidence. Though exams are an essential part of your journey as a student, don’t let them affect your health and well-being.