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5 Tips to overcome Board Exams Stress and Anxiety

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5 Tips to overcome Board Exams Stress and Anxiety
Sriram Somayajula By: Sriram Somayajula
November 26, 2019
All Articles by: Sriram Somayajula       View Profile
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Board Exams, these two words can quickly bring down the happy vibes in a matter of a few seconds. Such is the fear around Board Exams. Even the most ‘chillax’ student crumbles with fear on hearing these words. Exam stress is unavoidable; we have all been through this fearsome period.

You’re not alone, look around, all your peers are preparing for the same battle and going through similar exam anxiety. “Don’t stress yourself,” easier said but difficult to avoid. We understand.

While you can’t avoid your board exams what you can do is fight this uninvited exam anxiety. Imagine yourself as a surfer; you can’t ignore that massive wave, either you ride it like you mean it, or get washed down to the shore. What do you want to do?

There, you got a little motivation.

Now, let us help you with the exam stress that you’re feeling right now. Here is a handcrafted list of tips that will help you combat board exam stress and anxiety.

1. Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Often students confuse that burning the night oil will help them finish the syllabus. But not all of us are nocturnal, while your friend feels more focused at night that might not be the case with you. It is important to know more about your time of the day. Think like a vampire – which is your strong hour (a little humor doesn’t cost much)? Prepare your time-table accordingly, depending upon the times that suit you best.

“Share your time table with me,” do not make the mistake of following a time table made by someone else for you including your parents. You’re a different individual with different needs and style of learning.

Make your own time table. Divide time according to the subject’s difficulty. Here is a quick tip, start with the subject/topic you fear the most; this way you will be relaxed and more focused for the rest of the subjects.

2. Prepare notes – make acronyms

For commerce students, divide your accounting questions on the HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) basis. These questions must be answered with great diligence. So, make a note of HOTS questions from different subjects and come back to them once you’re finished with the lighter topics to have ample time and focus on working on them.

Study becomes fun exercise when you start implementing fun ways to study. You feel comfortable with acronyms, then, use them in your difficult chapters. Make acronyms, notes in your own way – be it a poem, an acronym or even a song. This practice helps saves times, as you can go through your self styled notes during revision rather than the whole chapter.

3. Set separate time for clearing doubts with friends

It is difficult to get back into the rhythm once you’ve received a call from a friend regarding his/her doubt about some other subject. Often you will find yourself brooding about unnecessary stuff after the call. Thus, set a fixed time to entertain a friend’s doubts. Discuss the same with your friends regarding what time suits them and respect their timetable as well.

4. Take small outdoor breaks

Even if you’re taking a break and sitting in your study room, you’re still sitting in the same air full of exam stress and anxiety. Make sure that you spend some time outdoors – take a walk, meet a friend or just enjoy a warm plate of Maggie. Fresh air spaces your mind and also helps reduce anxiety. Come on we all know the benefits of little exercise – we shouldn’t be reminding you of that.

5. Take care of your diet and health

Skipping meal will not help you learn quickly. Subconsciously you will still be thinking about what your family is having for dinner. Enjoy a hearty meal and do not forget to snack in between your study time. Forget about putting on weight, you’ll get ample time to reduce that weight after your exams. So right now, eat right.

These points are not something you have not heard of before. But understand, that we know what you’re going through right now and want to help you in whatever way we can. So buckle up soldier and remember this too shall pass.

There is always a new beginning after an end. Your board exams will set pavement for your new journey. For those of you who have made up your mind to pursue chartered accountancy, then, you’re in the right hands. Reach out to IndigoLearn for a new age chartered accountancy classes. Join CA Foundation Online Classes - Learn From Experts. CA IPC Coaching Online | Unlimited Course Access | IndigoLearn. This 29 hours course is designed to help you prepare for accoutning standards in CA IPC gourp I & II exams. Signup for the online coaching

 

By: Sriram Somayajula - November 26, 2019

 

Discussions to this article

 

To avoid exam fear, anxiety, fear and other sickness in any examination and even in day to day dealings and workings what is required is to train your brain, mind , heart and soul that your memory recall work well ,study few hours ago or even few days ago may not help, unless you have confidence on your memory recall.

In search in my computer I found the following working on the subject written long ago

.The result of examination would depend on what and how you write during examination hours (usually three hours) and how the examiner consider your answers in 10-15 minutes when he checks your answer book and evaluate your answers Stop reading, writing and discussions about exam, at least three hours before examination- have confidence in memory recall. Memory recall will be better if your mind is fresh, relaxed and charged , and fingers are faster to write during 180 minutes – and that will give you better result.<br /> <br /> Do some exercises, yoga, meditation and massage on entire body and on your head, forehead and fingers - 20 minutes<br /> <br /> Have a good bath for at least fifteen minutes, sprinkle water on entire body, and specially on your eyes and head sit in bath tub sing songs. - 20 minutes

Some tips for examinees …

“The result of examination would depend on what and how you write during examination hours (usually three hours) and how the examiner consider your answers in 10-15 minutes when he checks your answer book and evaluate your answers”.

Stop reading, writing and discussions about exam, at least three hours before examination- have confidence in memory recall. Memory recall will be better if your mind is fresh, relaxed and charged , and fingers are faster to write during 180 minutes – and that will give you better result.

Do some exercises, yoga, meditation and massage on entire body and on your head, forehead and fingers - 20 minutes

Have a good bath for at least fifteen minutes, sprinkle water on entire body, and specially on your eyes and head sit in bath tub sing songs. - 20 minutes.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - II

Sit in your pooja room have a ghee /oil lamp lightened and concentrate on the light of the lamp for at least ten minutes in two or more exercises, before you leave your home for examination. This will improve your concentration. Have faith and confidence in your god- this will improves your self-confidence. Students not at home but at some other place can even use candle light or nigh lamp for the concentration exercise.- 15 minutes.

This exercise should be done regularly twice daily for better concentration, memory, memory recall, and systematic and organized flow of thoughts while thinking, writing and speaking. Have light food that is easily digestible and provide you strength and stamina for four –five hours. Relax in lying condition for 15-20 minutes after taking food.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - III

Blessings of elders and best wishes of near and dear and friends, having photo of your god and goddess , mummy and papa and your role model / favorite teacher etc. in your pocket can be a good source of confidence building. ( but do not keep them when not permitted)Be ready and leave for examination centre. Sufficient time should be kept in view of distance, mode of transportation, usual time and time for contingency to ensure that you reach the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the examination starts.

Drink water, tea / coffee , visit urinals/ toilet and then sit on your seat at least fifteen minutes before time for commencement of examination. Have relaxed mood, do some deep breathing exercises and try to have self-confidence.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - IV

On the examination answer book write properly relevant information about roll no, code no. subject name and code, part of paper etc. On each page write PTO. During this time you can, (with generally implied permission) also write on the first page of answer book, abbreviations which you are likely to use / intend to use while answering questions considering the subject. More abbreviations which you are required to use while answering questions can be written on this sheet while answering questions.

This can be arranged in tabular form with two or more columns.

The answer sheets can be folded so as to create four or eight columns for improvement in presentation and reducing time for putting lines with scale. In case of theory papers the answer book can be folded on right side to provide margin space, if not provided by a demarcation line.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - V

Relax - close eyes have deep breaths remember Maa Saraswati, chant OM or other mantra which you feel gives you more peace and vigor.

On receipt of question paper:Read instructions about compulsory question, total questions in paper and questions to be answered, questions with options etc.

You consider that for each mark you have 1.5 minutes for writing answers requiring 150 minutes and balance 30 minutes are for reading question, understanding words used in the question, planning answer and review etc.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VI

Careful reading of question is very important, each word in question is important and has its significance. However, do not get perturbed if you are not able to understand any question, just Passover it and read other question. Any question which you can reasonably answer, just start writing answer without wasting time for selecting question which you can answer in best manner. You can reasonably hope that the examiner will apply his mind independently to each answer and will not develop any bias based on your answers which he read and checked earlier. Thus, forget the saying ‘first impression is the last impression’ while utilising your 180 minutes.

Do not read entire question paper – it may be wastage of time because most of the questions have to be attempted.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VII

Do not start with compulsory question and questions carrying more marks. These are generally tough, intricate and very lengthy and involves some features which may cause confusion.At initial time stamina is generally weak, attempting compulsory question or question carrying higher marks, is likely to dampen your stamina and confidence. Therefore, attempt some smaller questions during 70-80 minutes. By attempting to smaller questions first, you may be able to answer questions carrying 40-50 marks within first hour. This will give you more confidence, stamina and tempo will be improved to face more tough and lengthy questions.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VIII

Now time available per minute for other questions will be more. For example ,suppose within first eighty minutes you have attempted questions carrying 60 marks ( saving 10 minutes from budgeted 90 minutes), then you have 100 minutes at your disposal for answering questions carrying 40 marks that is 2.5 minutes, on gross basis for each mark.

After each answer keep some space blank so that at the time of review you can add further points if they come in mind.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - IX During second hour, (after 80-85 minutes only) start answering questions, which are compulsory, carry higher marks and are lengthy. During last 5-10 minutes review answers check that question nos. and sub question nos. are written correctly, properly tag extra sheets used, put necessary information about code no. etc. mark each page of additional sheet also with PTO. So that the examiner is requested to see all pages, even if any page is left blank in hurry or inadvertently.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com X In between drink some water, and tea / coffee or cold drink chew cardamom , clove or mouth fresheners as suits you . Some times application of Vicks or other pain balm on your forehead may be useful to stimulate mind and to change mood. So you may keep these items with you.

Take intermittently, at interval of 30-40 minutes, deep breaths for 30-40 seconds each time (which one can easily do while reading question paper as well as writing answers). This will keep you fresh and more attentive.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XI

At last while tagging the answer sheets, and handing over the answer book pray the god that the examiner should be in good mood and have fully synchronized thinking with yours, while checking your answer book. Don’t do the following during examination days:Do not discuss much with other examinees about your prepration and prepration of others. That will most likely hamper your level of confidence and confuse you.

During exam do not at all discuss anything about subject and prepration. Do not pass even signals for objective questions. Such practices will only harm you by creating confusion and eroding self-confidence and put you at risk of cancellation of examination.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XII Do not try to use cheating material- by using such material at most, if at all one can pass examination of lower classes but it will not help you to in nay manner. The risk would be too large to take. Do not loose confidence and let break nerves, even if most of others are loosing.

In all my examinations I have experienced that some times performance during last 20-25 minutes can suddenly changes your overall performance in the paper. I had experienced improving my score by 15-20 marks during last half an hour. So think ahead and do not get perturbed even if your performance during early part of 180 minutes is poor.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XIII After examination of any paper (till the last paper) do not bother about possible outcome. This is because it is not only dependent on your performance; it is also dependent on preferences, priorities, which the examiner of your answer book has about each answer. For example, some examiners may like strong fundamentals and practical approach, whereas some may like theoretical approach. In case of papers on law some examiners give too much importance on sections and citations, whereas others give more importance on the analysis of facts and logic applied. Examiners bias and preferences can cause marks to be in range of reasonable marks Plus or minus 10- 15 marks in each paper.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XIV

So suppose reasonably you should get 65 marks- don’t be surprised if marks awarded are in range of 50- 80. The degree of variation will be less when objective type questions are set. Even in those questions, some variation is likely because in some questions most appropriate answer is some times subjective.Only after completing examination one should review his answers.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XV

There is no use to weep over mistakes committed in any paper till the last paper. Because any paper can be “Dubte ko tinke ka sahara”, and will help you to make up deficiency suffered in earlier papers to secure good ranking. SO BE PREPARED FOR AND USE 180 MINUTES IN BEST POSSIBLE MANNER.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com

“The result of examination would depend on what and how you write during examination hours (usually three hours) and how the examiner consider your answers in 10-15 minutes when he checks your answer book and evaluate your answers”.<br /> <br /> Stop reading, writing and discussions about exam, at least three hours before examination- have confidence in memory recall. Memory recall will be better if your mind is fresh, relaxed and charged , and fingers are faster to write during 180 minutes – and that will give you better result.<br /> <br /> Do some exercises, yoga, meditation and massage on entire body and on your head, forehead and fingers - 20 minutes<br /> <br /> Have a good bath for at least fifteen minutes, sprinkle water on entire body, and specially on your eyes and head sit in bath tub sing songs. - 20 minutes

Some tips for examinees …

“The result of examination would depend on what and how you write during examination hours (usually three hours) and how the examiner consider your answers in 10-15 minutes when he checks your answer book and evaluate your answers”.

Stop reading, writing and discussions about exam, at least three hours before examination- have confidence in memory recall. Memory recall will be better if your mind is fresh, relaxed and charged , and fingers are faster to write during 180 minutes – and that will give you better result.

Do some exercises, yoga, meditation and massage on entire body and on your head, forehead and fingers - 20 minutes

Have a good bath for at least fifteen minutes, sprinkle water on entire body, and specially on your eyes and head sit in bath tub sing songs. - 20 minutes.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - II

Sit in your pooja room have a ghee /oil lamp lightened and concentrate on the light of the lamp for at least ten minutes in two or more exercises, before you leave your home for examination. This will improve your concentration. Have faith and confidence in your god- this will improves your self-confidence. Students not at home but at some other place can even use candle light or nigh lamp for the concentration exercise.- 15 minutes.

This exercise should be done regularly twice daily for better concentration, memory, memory recall, and systematic and organized flow of thoughts while thinking, writing and speaking. Have light food that is easily digestible and provide you strength and stamina for four –five hours. Relax in lying condition for 15-20 minutes after taking food.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - III

Blessings of elders and best wishes of near and dear and friends, having photo of your god and goddess , mummy and papa and your role model / favorite teacher etc. in your pocket can be a good source of confidence building. ( but do not keep them when not permitted)Be ready and leave for examination centre. Sufficient time should be kept in view of distance, mode of transportation, usual time and time for contingency to ensure that you reach the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the examination starts.

Drink water, tea / coffee , visit urinals/ toilet and then sit on your seat at least fifteen minutes before time for commencement of examination. Have relaxed mood, do some deep breathing exercises and try to have self-confidence.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - IV

On the examination answer book write properly relevant information about roll no, code no. subject name and code, part of paper etc. On each page write PTO. During this time you can, (with generally implied permission) also write on the first page of answer book, abbreviations which you are likely to use / intend to use while answering questions considering the subject. More abbreviations which you are required to use while answering questions can be written on this sheet while answering questions.

This can be arranged in tabular form with two or more columns.

The answer sheets can be folded so as to create four or eight columns for improvement in presentation and reducing time for putting lines with scale. In case of theory papers the answer book can be folded on right side to provide margin space, if not provided by a demarcation line.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - V

Relax - close eyes have deep breaths remember Maa Saraswati, chant OM or other mantra which you feel gives you more peace and vigor.

On receipt of question paper:Read instructions about compulsory question, total questions in paper and questions to be answered, questions with options etc.

You consider that for each mark you have 1.5 minutes for writing answers requiring 150 minutes and balance 30 minutes are for reading question, understanding words used in the question, planning answer and review etc.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VI

Careful reading of question is very important, each word in question is important and has its significance. However, do not get perturbed if you are not able to understand any question, just Passover it and read other question. Any question which you can reasonably answer, just start writing answer without wasting time for selecting question which you can answer in best manner. You can reasonably hope that the examiner will apply his mind independently to each answer and will not develop any bias based on your answers which he read and checked earlier. Thus, forget the saying ‘first impression is the last impression’ while utilising your 180 minutes.

Do not read entire question paper – it may be wastage of time because most of the questions have to be attempted.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VII

Do not start with compulsory question and questions carrying more marks. These are generally tough, intricate and very lengthy and involves some features which may cause confusion.At initial time stamina is generally weak, attempting compulsory question or question carrying higher marks, is likely to dampen your stamina and confidence. Therefore, attempt some smaller questions during 70-80 minutes. By attempting to smaller questions first, you may be able to answer questions carrying 40-50 marks within first hour. This will give you more confidence, stamina and tempo will be improved to face more tough and lengthy questions.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - VIII

Now time available per minute for other questions will be more. For example ,suppose within first eighty minutes you have attempted questions carrying 60 marks ( saving 10 minutes from budgeted 90 minutes), then you have 100 minutes at your disposal for answering questions carrying 40 marks that is 2.5 minutes, on gross basis for each mark.

After each answer keep some space blank so that at the time of review you can add further points if they come in mind.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com - IX During second hour, (after 80-85 minutes only) start answering questions, which are compulsory, carry higher marks and are lengthy. During last 5-10 minutes review answers check that question nos. and sub question nos. are written correctly, properly tag extra sheets used, put necessary information about code no. etc. mark each page of additional sheet also with PTO. So that the examiner is requested to see all pages, even if any page is left blank in hurry or inadvertently.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com X In between drink some water, and tea / coffee or cold drink chew cardamom , clove or mouth fresheners as suits you . Some times application of Vicks or other pain balm on your forehead may be useful to stimulate mind and to change mood. So you may keep these items with you.

Take intermittently, at interval of 30-40 minutes, deep breaths for 30-40 seconds each time (which one can easily do while reading question paper as well as writing answers). This will keep you fresh and more attentive.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XI

At last while tagging the answer sheets, and handing over the answer book pray the god that the examiner should be in good mood and have fully synchronized thinking with yours, while checking your answer book. Don’t do the following during examination days:Do not discuss much with other examinees about your prepration and prepration of others. That will most likely hamper your level of confidence and confuse you.

During exam do not at all discuss anything about subject and prepration. Do not pass even signals for objective questions. Such practices will only harm you by creating confusion and eroding self-confidence and put you at risk of cancellation of examination.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XII Do not try to use cheating material- by using such material at most, if at all one can pass examination of lower classes but it will not help you to in nay manner. The risk would be too large to take. Do not loose confidence and let break nerves, even if most of others are loosing.

In all my examinations I have experienced that some times performance during last 20-25 minutes can suddenly changes your overall performance in the paper. I had experienced improving my score by 15-20 marks during last half an hour. So think ahead and do not get perturbed even if your performance during early part of 180 minutes is poor.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XIII After examination of any paper (till the last paper) do not bother about possible outcome. This is because it is not only dependent on your performance; it is also dependent on preferences, priorities, which the examiner of your answer book has about each answer. For example, some examiners may like strong fundamentals and practical approach, whereas some may like theoretical approach. In case of papers on law some examiners give too much importance on sections and citations, whereas others give more importance on the analysis of facts and logic applied. Examiners bias and preferences can cause marks to be in range of reasonable marks Plus or minus 10- 15 marks in each paper.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XIV

So suppose reasonably you should get 65 marks- don’t be surprised if marks awarded are in range of 50- 80. The degree of variation will be less when objective type questions are set. Even in those questions, some variation is likely because in some questions most appropriate answer is some times subjective.Only after completing examination one should review his answers.

Ca.devkumarkothari@gmail.com XV

There is no use to weep over mistakes committed in any paper till the last paper. Because any paper can be “Dubte ko tinke ka sahara”, and will help you to make up deficiency suffered in earlier papers to secure good ranking. SO BE PREPARED FOR AND USE 180 MINUTES IN BEST POSSIBLE MANNER.

THINK POSITIVELY ALWAYS AND REMEMBER HIMMAT-E- MARDA MADAD –E KHUDA

THINK POSITIVELY ALWAYS AND REMEMBER HIMMAT-E- MARDA MADAD –E KHUDA

Sriram Somayajula By: DEV KUMAR KOTHARI
Dated: November 27, 2019

Off-beat articles but both articles are par excellence. These are stress-busters not only for exams but also for interviews and leading day-today life.

Sriram Somayajula By: KASTURI SETHI
Dated: November 27, 2019

 

 

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