Tips to deal with Examination stress

Everyone has to deal with stress in their way and frankly friends let's not get worried if we feel we are a bit more stressed then others. Examinations are a time of stress, anxiety and nervousness for students as well as for parents. Hence it is very necessary that we focus on our eating and sleeping habits, mental and physical fitness. Here are a few tips to beat those examination blues.

Eat right and proper:
A balanced diet is very important, especially during the exams. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide with energy and increase the ability to concentrate. With a healthy diet of vegetables, fibre and fruits, mind stays alert. Avoid junk food. Salty and spicy food just prior to the exams can lead to a lot of sluggishness during the exams. Tea, coffee and chocolates should be avoided as they tire you out soon.

Avoid stressful people:
Seriously stress is contagious. Resist the urge to have a study session with your super tense friends , especially if they are complaining about all the work that they have to do nad breaking pencils all over the place. Their stress will only add to your stress. Make a revision timetable, and atart revising early, not the night before. Study somewhere quiet away from the distraction of the TV.

Take care of your eyes:
Exam time means a lot of reading, writing, stress and strain. Make sure not to overexert or strain your eyes. There should be ample light in the room where studies are done. Reading with a night lamp is a strict no-no. Good posture is very important. Use a table and a chair to do your studies. Donot lean on the table or read in sleeping position for a long time as it will strain your eyes.

It is very important t have a proper sleep:
Get a good night's sleep the night before, and a decent breskfst in the morning. Do not compromise on sleep. Don't stay awake all night to study. Don't hit the bed immediately after studies; a few minutes are needed t o get out of the 'study mode' . a short walk, a glass of water or just a glance through magazines before going off to sleep will help de-stress.

Do some outdoor activity:
Take regular breaks to keep up your concentration levels. Have a snack or just relax.Students must have at least 15 minutes of outdoor activity even during exams. It helps them exercise and relax their muscles. Parents should ban extracurricular activities of their children. A short stroll in the garden, brief play time or some TV will help de-stress.

Don't get obsessed:
Talk about things other than exams. This will have a relaxing effect. Share some jokes, some interesting anecdotes of the day to lighten up the atmosphere at home.

Be calm:
Practice deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxing exercises as a part of daily routine and encourage the child to use them during exams.

Be positive:
Don't beat yourself up about things, instead be nice to yourself. Make a quick list of five things you've done that you are proud of. This will put you in a good mood and you will learn more. Visualize it all going right.

Chill out:
If you are starting to lose it, and feel that the studying is getting on top of you- take a bit of time to relax yourself. Tell yourself how well you are doing. Remind yourself that everything is going to turn out alright. Stand up straight and smile, you will feel a bit better straight away.

Do not mull:
If it upsets you to talk to your friends about an exam when it is finished, don't do it. In fact, don't even think about the exam you have finished. What is done is done. You cannot change what you have written.

Tips for the parents:
" Believe in your child.
" Do not judge.
" Be there for your child when he/she needs you.
" Do what your child likes.
" Do not compare.
" Understand your child's capacity.