Some Tips for Students to Deal with Stress

Make realistic study plans

Assess priorities, assets and difficulties

Follow a normalized routine atmosphere at home should be recommended.

To take frequent breaks.

Not to strip off TV or entertainment and outings.

Feel comfortable about oneself.

That imagining extreme consequences and worst situations is of no use and needs to be discouraged.

It is helpful to make the student see what he can accomplish in the remaining time is not negligible.

Constant encouragement and reassurance is essential from all significant members in the school and family.

It is important that the student is clear about how to take the examination, how to tackle questions and how to manage time.

Students tend to magnify failures and try to talk to them out of it. They should not demean themselves, manage time.

Advise them to contact the teachers or counselors if they feel low or anxious or disinterested in studies.

MUST DOS FOR STUDENTS

For improved concentration, motivation, work blocks

Know your concentration span, study with breaks.

Work out best time for concentration.

Group study for difficult subjects.

Do not let previous results discourage you – identify your weak areas from previous exams. And work on them.

Time management plan must be made for all subjects.

Choose a study place with minimum distractions and autosuggest to your self about your resolution.

Try to coincide study time with the time, you would be giving an exam.

In case of average achievers, master what you know and are comfortable with.

For low achievers, master the essential information first.

Prioritize the workload. Give your best concentration time to the toughest subject.

Repeat your learnt work so the recall in exam is easy. Work not repeated or revised is easily forgotten.

Try to plan your revision time by drawing up a timetable. Build in time for the things you enjoy – like watching you favorite TV programme, going out with your friends, or going to play football in the park.

Give yourself a few treats – pamper yourself with a long hot bath, or listen to your favorite CD for an hour after you have finished your revision.

Relax with what you know before entering the exam hall.

Do not get anxious about the result – cross that bridge when you come to it…options await.

 
MUST DOS FOR PARENTS

Student can fail to do well if they fail to cope with stress. Parents should guide their children in planning, organizing and setting a timetable.

To avoid a stress situation for the child the parents must provide right kind of motivation and a conducive environment.

Help the child to develop self-discipline self-direction, self-confidence and a sense of achievement.

Just good schooling and tuition are not substitutes for emotional cushioning.

Help the child in maintaining his confidence especially when he seems discouraged by his dropping marks or grades. Do not displace your anxiety on the child.

The achievement goals should be realistically set according to the child’s capability.

Do no mix academic issues with family conflicts.

Praise your child when he does well. Encourage the child’s performance with positive statements like, “well done”, “you can do better”, rather than saying “that was not enough”.

Work out your child’s schedule with him instead of nagging him. There could be learning problems.

Do not harp on previous failures or results.

Under achievement may be due to some children believing it is safer not to try than to try and fail.

If achievement expectations are too high then some children would prefer to be criticized for being lazy than being considered not good enough.

Humor relieves tension. Be light and humorous with the child.

Try to gain your child’s confidence and discuss his problems with him. Help him to find a solution.

Exams are not the end of the world.
Accept that expectation for every one to do well is unrealistic, as many won’t pursue this for long.