Tuesday 12 March 2013

Exam Stress - Just Beat It!!! - Newspaper Article by Farzad Minoo Damania


Hi Friends,


Check out my article on Parsi Times Newspaper dated 9th March 2013, on “Exam Stress - Just Beat It!!!”.

Article Title: Exam Stress – Just Beat It!!!
Article Date: 9th March, 2013
Article on: Parsi Times Newspaper
Article Author: Farzad Minoo Damania


Exam stress - Tips to reduce stress
15 Tips to beat exam stress

You can read the entire transcript of the article below:

Board Exams have already started, anxiety and stress are the buzz words among students and parents. Students who experience exam stress may show the following symptoms: inability to sleep, irritable behaviour, loss of appetite, appearing depressed, feeling sick, unusual bad temper, restlessness, headache and stomach ache. 

Feeling stressed is a natural response to pressure. So here are 15 tips that will assist you beat exam stress...

Focus on Conceptual Study: It is very important to focus on conceptual study rather than rote learning. This helps in avoiding examination stress and also helps in the long run for better professional success.

Plan your study: Create a timetable and prioritise your study process. Chalk out a plan and divide time allotted for each subject judiciously. Put more emphasis on subjects where you are weak.

Find a dedicated study place: Get a study place which is relatively free from distraction. Avoid sitting near the television, computer, bed, or refrigerator. There is no harm in taking short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes after every hour of continuous study to optimize your concentration level.

Practise and solve previous year’s exam papers: It is a good exercise to solve good number of past question papers, as it makes you aware of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and helps you develop a good strategy to face the exam paper. This will also help in developing self-confidence.

Maintain a balanced diet:  A balanced diet is very important for your health. Avoid eating food that is high in fat, sugar and caffeine.  Avoid junk food during exams, it can spoil your health and all your efforts can go to waste. Avoid oily foods as it can make you feel lethargic. Do not skip your breakfast and dinner schedule.
Reach exam centre early: It would be wise to reach exam centre at least thirty minutes before exam time. This will help in reducing anxiety. If your exam centre is outside your school, you could visit your exam centre a day in advance so that you can plan your travel time accordingly.

Study Smartly: Make summary notes, keywords, tables, charts and diagrams; which help in improving your memorizing process. Re-learn difficult sections of your syllabus, and explain them to family or friends, which help in boosting your self-confidence.

Ask for help whenever needed: If you are feeling stressed or nervous, do not hesitate to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust such as parent, teacher, school counsellor, or friend; as they will be able to help you put things in perspective.
Avoid Negative Thinking: Negative thinking is one of the prime reasons for students undergoing stressful conditions. It is seen that your confidence is more important than your competence. Don’t think that your preparation is bad or not up to the mark. Go ahead and give your best shot.

Develop a Positive mindset: Maintain a positive “I can do it” attitude. Your stress and anxiety will be transformed into positive energy which will help you improve your performance at the exam hall. Keep telling yourself “I will do well”. Visualization is another method of keeping our mind calm and relaxed.

Try relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, simple exercises, dance, and music are some of the tools that can help you relax. But remember not to overdo it. These techniques are supposed to refresh you, and not tire you or wander your concentration process.
Get adequate sleep and rest: Do not over burden yourself. Your body needs adequate rest before your exam day. You need to take at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep to recharge yourself.

Do not discuss paper after exam is over: A very common habit of students is to discuss the paper after the examination is over. This can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety and depression if your answers do not match. It can lead to negative thinking, and can affect your morale for the remaining examinations.

Avoid comparing your abilities with your friends: Do not compare your level of revision with your friends.  Each one of us approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you have chosen the method that works best for you.

Work hard and give your best: Hard work promotes self-belief and liberates you from stressful and negative thinking.

Best wishes to all students appearing for their board exam. 

For all your career queries, reach out to me on farzad.damania@gmail.com or 9833971773.
Your feedback is highly appreciated.


Best Regards,
Farzad Minoo Damania
Career Counsellor & Corporate Trainer 
Career Nurturer



Mob: 9833971773



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