A Healthy Study Routine to Fight Board Exam Stress

With just a month to go for board exams, it is completely natural for students to feel stressed. While there is no magic wand to keep exam stress at bay, you can offset this by making a few simple but important lifestyle changes including intake of healthy food, good sleep, regular exercise and communication with loved ones.

A balanced diet is crucial, especially during stressful periods like examinations. The golden rule is to increase intake of greens, fruits salads and pulses and keep a check on oils, spices and salts. Adequate sleep is must for rejuvenation of the mind. Plan at least six to seven hours of uninterrupted sleep to enhance concentration. Minimum structured physical activity spanning 15-20 minutes of brisk walk, jogging, swimming or an outdoor game is not only refreshing but it can also lift your spirits.

As a component of effective study habits, realistic time management is of paramount importance during the exam season. Individuals have their own ways of managing time. Some of these tips may come in handy.

Schedule your study timing

Creating an overly restrictive schedule which doesn’t work, is a common mistake committed by students. At the end of it, you feel guilty about not sticking to the schedule. Have a regular study time and make space for some fun too, as this will help you get back into study-mode. Make a list of what you have to do in order of importance. Schedule the important work that needs more attention first.

Plan your breaks

Don’t study longer than 50 to 60 minutes at a stretch. Take periodic breaks and do things you love, such as listening to music, reading a magazine, chatting with your family or grabbing a quick healthy snack.

Set targets and reward yourself

Setting milestones for revision certainly help to manage your time and task better. You can also set rewards for those milestones for yourself. The reward can be small, like treating yourself to some ice cream, or larger, like buying that new dress you’ve had your eyes on. Rewards also don’t have to cost money. For example, you can gift yourself a game of basketball with your friends.

Get interested and avoid nervousness

You cannot concentrate on studies if you feel disinterested in what you are reading and if there is something in your mind that is worrying you. Remember that your final revision should only involve scanning your notes, key messages and bullet points. Try to loosen yourself up by sharing it with family and friends. You are relaxed when you are at peace with yourself. And most often, this state of mind is related to your level of preparedness. So fix up a relaxed schedule for yourself and avoid last-minute stress.

Establish ground rules

Make it clear to people who matter — your friends, relatives and family members — that you are not to be disturbed during the planned study hours. If you feel that your mind is occupied by various thoughts while studying, you can write whatever comes to your mind before you actually sit down to study. This will help clear your mind of the thoughts and increase your concentration level. You may tear off the page after you have released these thoughts.

Source: HT Education