Seek counsellors advice during board exams, Times of india, Mujmbai Mirror, Indrani Basu

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Seek counsellor's advice during board examinations

Indrani Basu

Posted On Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 11:28:59 AM

'Exam-Panic' is back. Covering relevant portions of the syllabus, completing them in time, revising papers are enough reasons to stress students. They get panicky and make silly mistakes which results in omission of marks. As board exams are on, the city counselors are busy helping students to give their best and erase examination tension.



While talking to the prominent counselors about exam pressures, they trace the pressure back to the parents which make a child more scared. The director of Aasra, a leading counseling unit from the city, Johnson Thomas suggested some tips for parents to handle the children during the ongoing board examination.

"Exams are only a small part of life. Do not make it bigger than your child's life. Know your kids and their capabilities well. Do not expect them to do better than their capabilities. Be pragmatic, practical and stay calm and composed. Do not keep harping on studying all the time.

Your kids have a breaking point too. Allow them to take small breaks in between studies. Allow your kids to be open to you. Let them talk to you of their anxieties and fears. Reassure them and show them how to overcome them. If you find yourself incapable then seek the help of a helpline or counsellor.

Do not shout, scold or reprimand your kids or compare their performance in exams or studies with those who do better than them. Treat your child as a unique individual and respect him/her for that individuality. Be creative in assigning punishments." His advice on diet during these stressful days is simple combo of healthy and nutritious, and light meals. "They should have lots of fruits and vegetables.

Avoid giving them beverages loaded with caffeine and fatty foods. Small meals after every three hours helps keep their energy levels up and the brain remain active and receptive. A glass of cold milk is good to keep the mind awake."

While speaking on how to cope with the examination pressure, he advises to students, "Make important points for reference during revision and last-minute studying. Plan your study activity well in advance. Stick to the timetable you've set for yourself. Don't expect too much from yourself.

The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the timeframe you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.
Make sure you take enough time for breaks.

Study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of fresh air, play some game, relax, listen to music, do anything you like doing-anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself."

He adds, "Study in a sitting position or walk around and never lie down and study as it will make you feel sleepy. Reading aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. Keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.

Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. If you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious."

His advice for the final hours is quietude. "Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious. Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.

" To make one de-stress he said , "Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit, throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks, devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you. Do deep breathing exercises. If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor."

Hengi Naik, is a social counselor, working on child, adolescent and family mental health issues in Navi Mumbai. Apart from counseling, she offers specialized psychological and psycho educational evaluation. She has been running her remedial and counseling center at Seawood since 1997 along with a team of clinical psychologists and remedial teachers.

Her tips to students sitting for exams are, "the child should take breaks for 10 minutes after studying for an hour or so to refresh his mind. He should watch his breathing time to time and relax his shoulders. Moreover, he should not compare himself with anyone.

He should not pay heed to rumours of papers being leaked and being available with someone. He should only concentrate on giving his best, but take the help of best friend when feeling nervous and fearful." Her advice to parents goes: like this: "encourage the child to take breaks for 10 minutes after more than one hour of study, offer him to eat regular Indian food as well as fruits and nuts.

Encourage him or her to get at least six hours of good sleep every day. Take him to visit the exam centre a day prior to the exam to be sure about the correct venue. Most important, it is to assure the child that no matter what, you love him or her unconditionally."

Helpline
Maharashtra State Board Helpline :
2789-3756 (8am to 9pm)

Aasra :
2754-6669/2754-6667 (24x7), Hemangi Naik: 9820095235
Centralised Toll-Free CBSE Helpline : 1800 11 7002

Sources: The Times of Navi Mumbai