Each year, batches of class 10 and 12 students are rolled out before the altar of dreaded ‘board exams’. And each year, you have students, parents and teachers stressing out until the exams are over and results declared. Writing the exam and acing it is a matter of honour for some, and for others, just another exam to get over with. Amid this entire hullabaloo over exams, stress and nerves cast a gloomy shadow over kids, which affects everybody differently.
“When I was in class 10, I would continuously munch on chocolates, chips and other snacks. I could not stop myself from eating since I was always hungry!” exclaims K Sukrati, who is now in class 12. “I had put on a lot of weight by the end of the exams, and there was so much sugar in my system that it all compounded my stress. So, this time around, my mother is giving me nuts, fruits and fruit juices and other healthy snacks. I think it is having a better effect on my mood too,” she says. A bowl of fruit, idlis, dry fruits or puffed rice is her go-to snack during exams.
A lot of parents feel that kids put a lot of pressure on themselves, resulting in unhealthy eating and sleeping habits. Although many of them want their kids to do exceedingly well, they prefer that their kids remain stress-free and not get bogged down by endless studying.
A bit of exercise
Dr Madhurima Chaterji, a family physician, is of the opinion that a mix of good food, fresh air and a bit of exercise is good enough for tension. “The most important thing is to sleep on time, and get at least six to seven hours of sleep. Staying up late nights makes you groggy and unproductive during the day. Additionally, keeping yourself hydrated with water, buttermilk or coconut water helps; but no aerated drinks,” she says. Oily or deep fried food makes kids nauseous, therefore, snacking on fruits, milk and crackers, would be a better choice. Eating out at restaurants must be avoided completely. “These are just 15 to 17 year olds, so a spot of exercise for an hour or so is ok. Those who stay in cramped quarters, or have a house full of people have trouble concentrating. I recommended them to put on instrumental music to drown out the ambient noise. Breathing exercises and power naps go a long way in beating stress,” she adds.
Periodical tests
Jaya Reddy, a teacher, opines that stress levels can be alleviated by doing a few things ahead of time. “Taking class tests periodically ensures that students are familiar with the subject and do not need to cram notes at the last minute. If you prepare them in advance, they will not worry over learning the whole portion on one go,” she informs.
Exam time is an ordeal for many, but with some smart planning and the above given pointers, one can bypass the anxiety altogether.
