It is very common for students to feel stressed during their board exams. The months before exams are really full of anxiety and stress for the students. They are under pressure to perform well. Moreover, the high expectations of the parents of their children can overburden the minds of the children. Though the stress is usual, it is manageable if the students move with good planning, relaxation, self-care, and an upbeat attitude. The core tactics include creating a schedule of study, practising interactive learning, getting proper rest, eating well and managing the expectancy by emphasising the best effort you will put forward and not just the results. 

In order to manage the board exam stress, you first need to create a balanced plan of study, which includes breaks. You must ensure healthy eating and prioritise adequate amounts of sleep as well as exercise. You must use relaxation techniques such as talking to friends or family and trying deep breathing when you feel overburdened, full of stress, or anxious. Moreover, you must avoid comparisons. Instead, you should focus on your own progression for your better performance as well as mental well-being. 

Prior to the exam 

• Planning and preparing: It is better to create a timetable for study by breaking down the syllabus and commencing to revise early. 
• Smart study: It is advised to use active learning, such as practising questions and mind maps, in lieu of just reading. 
• Always prioritise health: It is important to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep and eat nutritious food, including nuts and fruits. 
• Taking breaks: You must incorporate short breaks for walking, stretching and for your hobbies in order to refresh your mind. 
• Avoiding comparisons: You ought to focus on your own progression rather than the scores of your peers. 
• Management of the expectations: You must treat the board exam as an important event, but not as an event which will define your life. 

Strategies for studying and planning 

• Planning ahead: You should avoid cramming at the last minute by creating a realistic schedule of study and breaking down your syllabus into compact and manageable tasks. 
• Mock tests: It is better to practice with mock tests in order to get familiar with the time constraints and pressure. 

Health, wellness, mind and support 

• Adequate sleep and nutrition: You must aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep to boost focus and memory. Try to eat foods which are beneficial for brain-boosting, such as various fruits, vegetables and nuts. Stay hydrated and also avoid junk food. 
• Mindfulness and exercising: You should practice meditation or deep breathing to calm your mind, and also go for a walk or practice yoga for 15 minutes, as it will lead to a reduction of stress. 
• Positive approach: You ought to combat your negative thoughts with optimistic affirmations. 
• Optimistic self-talk: You should acknowledge your accomplishments and also what you are good at. 

On the day of the exam 

• Wind down: Always ensure avoiding screens and loud music as well. Avoid taking caffeine before bedtime in order to ensure sound sleep. You must have a healthy, light meal. 
• Staying calm: It is important to wake up early and have a proper breakfast. Moreover, you should avoid last-minute cramming. 
• Pack your essentials, such as pens and admit cards, the night before the exam. 
• Try deep breathing before entering the examination hall. 
• Read the instructions mentioned on the exam paper very carefully. 
• Manage your time by not wasting it on difficult questions. Return to them later after attempting the easy ones. 

After the exam 

• Do not overthink: You should avoid discussing the answers with your friends to prevent stress. 
• Reward yourself: You must celebrate the finishing of your exam with some relaxing activities which help you recharge. 

Conclusion 

It is very important to first plan and then move ahead. But anyhow, if you are unable to cope with the stress on your own, you can contact the best psychiatrist in Ludhiana at Manas Hospital. Dr Anshul Mahajan, MD, offers the best advice, which is tailored to your needs. It is crucial to manage stress and anxiety as early as possible, for it can be dangerous if left unmanaged or if not managed on time. Visit us now and get rid of the stress which is bothering you. 

FAQs 

Q1: Does exercise help in relieving stress? 

A:   Yes, certainly! Practising any kind of physical activity can be a powerful stress reliever, and it can help boost your mood and energise your mind. 

Q2: Is last-minute cramming beneficial in the exam? 

A:   No, definitely not! Last-minute cramming can alleviate stress, thereby impairing your ability to recall information effectively.