Exams give maximum stress to students’
Bhavya Dore, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, July 24, 2011
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First Published: 01:38 IST(24/7/2011)
Last Updated: 01:40 IST(24/7/2011)
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Students from private, unaided state board schools have higher stress levels as compared to those from private aided SSC schools, claims a study submitted as part of a PhD thesis through Mumbai University. The study also found that maximum stress was caused by exams. On a scale
of 1% to 100%, stress levels among students in private unaided schools was 48.18% as against 47.13% in private aided schools.
The study, conducted over a two-year period, surveyed 1,092 Class 10 students (507 girls, 585 boys) from across 20 SSC board affiliated English-medium schools in the city.
“Children in unaided schools come from better socio-economic backgrounds, have more educated parents, access to better infrastructure, facilities and opportunities. All of this makes them more ambitious,” said Giselle D’souza, associate professor at St Teresa’s Institute of Education, who conducted the study. “For them success in exams is a prestige symbol that earns recognition from their parents. Aided schools, on the other hand, have lower fees, and children have to fend more for themselves, which helps them develop better.”
The research found that the maximum source of stress for all students – both boys and girls – was exam-related. Though all the stress scores fell in the “moderate” category on the researcher’s scale of 1% to 100%, the mean percentage for exam stress was 50.17%, for achievement stress it was 48.85% and for social stress it 42.74% (see box).
The data was collected in 2006, before the state board implemented various reforms. However, Class 10 board exam remains of crucial importance because of the competition to get into a good junior college. “The competition is so intense these days that everyone is nervous,” said Dristi Jain, 15, who just finished Class 10.
The study, which will be soon out as a book, concluded that stress levels were not dangerously high. Students’ scored “substantially” on the parameters of academic self-concept (how they think of themselves), self-efficacy (their belief in their capabilities) and locus of control (to what extent they think they can control the situation).
“Very few studies have so far related these personality correlates with stress levels,” said Shefali Pandya, professor at the department of education at Mumbai University, who guided the study. “Schools and parents can help in bringing down stress levels by building confidence and self-worth in students.”
Aasra Suicide Prevention.This blog is about getting people to talk about their innermost feelings and emotions in times of distress and despair.All discussions are about the issue of suicide, mental health and it's effect on society. Aasra Helpline for the depressed and suicidal. 91-22-27546669(24x7)
Showing posts with label beat exam stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beat exam stress. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Any change can bring about stress
Change is a fact of life, so learning how to deal with stress associated with change is something that everyone needs to do.
What is Change?
People have to deal with many different types of change throughout their lives, and doing so almost always leads to an increase in stress. Sometimes change is planned and sometimes it takes you by surprise: it's a fact that change is sometimes foreseen and sometimes unforeseen. It can also be good, bad, or indifferent.
No matter how you perceive change, it can be a powerful stressor. In order to understand how to deal with change, it's important to first understand what change is, both as a noun and a verb.
Change as a Noun
When you look at the word change as a thing, the term references some type of:
Alteration
Deviation
Novel approach
Substitution
Transformation
Variation
Change as a Verb
When you look at the word change as an "action", the term refers to the process or act of becoming:
Altered
Converted
Different
Modified
Transformed
Understanding Stress Associated with Change
The fact that change impacts everyone at one time or another does not mean that most people are comfortable or prepared to deal with it when it occurs. In the modern world, change - both professionally and personally -- seems to occur with an increasing rate of frequency. Many times, people don't feel like they've been able to adjust to one change before yet another one comes along. This often causes feelings of being out of control and overwhelmed, which leads to stress. To cope with the stress associated with change more effectively, it's important to understand that you do have control over how you allow change to affect you. One of the reasons that change is often viewed as a stressor is that people tend to view it negatively. People have a tendency to prefer stability and security. However, individuals don't often perform their best in the absence of change. There's a very real tendency to become complacent when things stay the same for an extended period of time. Change can be quite positive. Many times, change leads to improved outcomes and better decisions.
Basic Facts About Change
Change is inevitable.
The outcomes of change cannot be known in advance.
The unknown is not necessarily worse than the known.
Change can lead to greater creativity.
Some changes are for the better, some are for the worse.
Stress is a natural side effect of change.
There is an element of risk associated with change.
Implementing change requires commitment.
Change cannot be implemented correctly without action.
Seeing a change through takes courage.
Tips for Handling with Stress Associated with Change
Recognize the limitations you place on yourself. There's often a difference between what you think you can do and what you can actually do.
Stay positive about change.
Cultivate a support network of friends and colleagues and lean on them during times of change.
Lean on your family and friends during times of high stress.
Work on building and maintaining positive self esteem.
Recognize that the way you do things now is likely to change multiple times in the future.
Realize the change can - and probably will - occur in your personal and professional life quite frequently.
Don't allow yourself to assume that a proposed change will be bad without giving it a fair chance.
Make an effort to consider the possible positive consequences of doing things differently.
Focus on the big picture.
Seek to understand the reasons change may be needed.
Be willing to be flexible.
Don't engage in avoidance behavior when tasked with adapting to a change.
When change is inevitable, focus your energy on making the best of it rather than resisting.
Take care of yourself. Your body and mind are better able to handle both stress and change when you are well rested and properly nourished.
Opt for quick stress relievers to deal with your immediate anxiety about imminent change.
What is Change?
People have to deal with many different types of change throughout their lives, and doing so almost always leads to an increase in stress. Sometimes change is planned and sometimes it takes you by surprise: it's a fact that change is sometimes foreseen and sometimes unforeseen. It can also be good, bad, or indifferent.
No matter how you perceive change, it can be a powerful stressor. In order to understand how to deal with change, it's important to first understand what change is, both as a noun and a verb.
Change as a Noun
When you look at the word change as a thing, the term references some type of:
Alteration
Deviation
Novel approach
Substitution
Transformation
Variation
Change as a Verb
When you look at the word change as an "action", the term refers to the process or act of becoming:
Altered
Converted
Different
Modified
Transformed
Understanding Stress Associated with Change
The fact that change impacts everyone at one time or another does not mean that most people are comfortable or prepared to deal with it when it occurs. In the modern world, change - both professionally and personally -- seems to occur with an increasing rate of frequency. Many times, people don't feel like they've been able to adjust to one change before yet another one comes along. This often causes feelings of being out of control and overwhelmed, which leads to stress. To cope with the stress associated with change more effectively, it's important to understand that you do have control over how you allow change to affect you. One of the reasons that change is often viewed as a stressor is that people tend to view it negatively. People have a tendency to prefer stability and security. However, individuals don't often perform their best in the absence of change. There's a very real tendency to become complacent when things stay the same for an extended period of time. Change can be quite positive. Many times, change leads to improved outcomes and better decisions.
Basic Facts About Change
Change is inevitable.
The outcomes of change cannot be known in advance.
The unknown is not necessarily worse than the known.
Change can lead to greater creativity.
Some changes are for the better, some are for the worse.
Stress is a natural side effect of change.
There is an element of risk associated with change.
Implementing change requires commitment.
Change cannot be implemented correctly without action.
Seeing a change through takes courage.
Tips for Handling with Stress Associated with Change
Recognize the limitations you place on yourself. There's often a difference between what you think you can do and what you can actually do.
Stay positive about change.
Cultivate a support network of friends and colleagues and lean on them during times of change.
Lean on your family and friends during times of high stress.
Work on building and maintaining positive self esteem.
Recognize that the way you do things now is likely to change multiple times in the future.
Realize the change can - and probably will - occur in your personal and professional life quite frequently.
Don't allow yourself to assume that a proposed change will be bad without giving it a fair chance.
Make an effort to consider the possible positive consequences of doing things differently.
Focus on the big picture.
Seek to understand the reasons change may be needed.
Be willing to be flexible.
Don't engage in avoidance behavior when tasked with adapting to a change.
When change is inevitable, focus your energy on making the best of it rather than resisting.
Take care of yourself. Your body and mind are better able to handle both stress and change when you are well rested and properly nourished.
Opt for quick stress relievers to deal with your immediate anxiety about imminent change.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Seek counsellors advice during board exams, Times of india, Mujmbai Mirror, Indrani Basu
http://mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=CITY%20-%20Briefs§id=35&contentid=2011030820110308112858928e9f3e519
TNM CLASSROOM
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
TNM CLASSROOM
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
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Doctors say yes to no exam policy, Times of India page 7
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Docs-give-nod-to-no-exam-policy/articleshow/7612276.cms
MUMBAI: Mental health professionals have given the CBSE board a thumbs up as its child-friendly examination policies have resulted in a drastic drop in stress levels. The CBSE has given students the choice of opting out of the Class X board exam and appearing for a school-based exam instead, a decision that saw an over 50% dip in the number of distress calls on the CBSE helpline since last year.
"Children get stressed during examinations, parents even more so. With no board exams, the stress on parents reduces and hence overall anxiety levels at home go down. Children have always appeared for examinations and will continue to do so in future, but without the pressure to perform they will be better equipped to deal with the situation,'' said psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria. She points out the extreme steps students have often resorted to at exam time, from absconding to trying to end their lives. She adds there have been instances when she has admitted parents to hospital as they were stressed about their children's examinations.
"Demystifying board exams is a must. The entire burden disappears and the absence of pressure enhances a child's emotional well-being. The drop in the number of calls on the CBSE helpline is a wake-up call for other boards,'' says Dr Harish Shetty, president of the Counsellor's Association of India. He, too, feels that the CBSE's decision to make the Class X exam optional will ease the pain that families go through around exam time.
Dr Maya B Kirpalani, consultant psychologist and family therapist, feels the CBSE board's move will especially benefit students who are emotionally frail and not strong enough to cope with a board exam. "The board's new policy will bring solace to students, who can now give the board exam at their own school, a familiar setting that will make exams less stressful,'' she said. She rued the fact that students have become a prisoner of their marks with society laying undue emphasis on marks alone.
MUMBAI: Mental health professionals have given the CBSE board a thumbs up as its child-friendly examination policies have resulted in a drastic drop in stress levels. The CBSE has given students the choice of opting out of the Class X board exam and appearing for a school-based exam instead, a decision that saw an over 50% dip in the number of distress calls on the CBSE helpline since last year.
"Children get stressed during examinations, parents even more so. With no board exams, the stress on parents reduces and hence overall anxiety levels at home go down. Children have always appeared for examinations and will continue to do so in future, but without the pressure to perform they will be better equipped to deal with the situation,'' said psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria. She points out the extreme steps students have often resorted to at exam time, from absconding to trying to end their lives. She adds there have been instances when she has admitted parents to hospital as they were stressed about their children's examinations.
"Demystifying board exams is a must. The entire burden disappears and the absence of pressure enhances a child's emotional well-being. The drop in the number of calls on the CBSE helpline is a wake-up call for other boards,'' says Dr Harish Shetty, president of the Counsellor's Association of India. He, too, feels that the CBSE's decision to make the Class X exam optional will ease the pain that families go through around exam time.
Dr Maya B Kirpalani, consultant psychologist and family therapist, feels the CBSE board's move will especially benefit students who are emotionally frail and not strong enough to cope with a board exam. "The board's new policy will bring solace to students, who can now give the board exam at their own school, a familiar setting that will make exams less stressful,'' she said. She rued the fact that students have become a prisoner of their marks with society laying undue emphasis on marks alone.
Drop in Panic calls to CBSE helpline, Anahita Mukherjee
Drop in panic calls to CBSE helpline
Anahita Mukherji /, TNN, Mar 2, 2011, 08.57pm IST
A call for Help:
AASRA- 27546669/27546667 (24x7)
CBSE helpline 1800 17 7002
Maharashtra state board helpline: 27893756 (8 am to 9 pm)
MUMBAI: Here's proof that the CBSE board's decision to make the Class X board examination optional this year has drastically reduced stress levels around exam time. The number of calls on the CBSE board helpline has dropped drastically. A year ago, the board helpline received 14,000 calls between February 1 and 28, this year it has dropped to 6,000 in the same period.
"The data is definitely encouraging,'' says Vineet Joshi, chairperson of the CBSE board, pointing to both the drop in the number of calls on the helpline, as well as the fact that 69% of CBSE students who had the choice of opting out of the board exams, did so. "Students are a lot happier during the exam season this year. Our system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation, where students are assessed all-year round and not just on the basis of a three-hour exam, has definitely reduced stress levels. The exam is no longer a 'do-or-die' scenario,'' says Joshi.
He also feels that with the assessment spread out across the year, students who don't do too well as the board exam won't feel it's the end of the world.
Incidentally, most calls on the helpline this year were over administrative matters, with only a small number suffering from examination stress. Of the 6,000 students who called on the helpline last month, only around 1,600 were stress-related. Contrast this with last year, where stress-related calls on the helpline were nearly five times higher. In February 2010, 7,333 students called the helpline over mental health issues.
The numbers show a very positive story. This is precisely the objective of the making board exams optional, and to a large extent it seems to have been met,'' says Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School
A drop in the number of panic-stricken phone calls on the CBSE helpline has translated into less stress at school. Many principals say the environment at school during exam time this year is a sea-change from previous years.
"Only 18 of 169 students at our school are appearing for the board exam. The anxiety levels are a lot lower and children are in a better frame of mind,'' said Cherian George, principal of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at IIT Powai.
Parents of those who have opted out of the board exam say their children are preparing for the Class X exam in a stress-free environment. Mitali Chatterjee, the mother of a Class X student at RN Podar School, says while studies are going on as usual there's no tension at home.
At Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri, the atmosphere is vey relaxed and this goes for both those who have opted out of the board exam as well as those who will be giving their boards. This has a lot to do with the fact that 60% of the assessment for Class X has been done all year round at school, and the exam will be worth only 40% of the total score for Class X. Those who do not appear for the board exam, will sit for the Class X exam at school, and get their papers assessed by school teachers. Papers for both sets of students have been set by the board.
Anahita Mukherji /, TNN, Mar 2, 2011, 08.57pm IST
A call for Help:
AASRA- 27546669/27546667 (24x7)
CBSE helpline 1800 17 7002
Maharashtra state board helpline: 27893756 (8 am to 9 pm)
MUMBAI: Here's proof that the CBSE board's decision to make the Class X board examination optional this year has drastically reduced stress levels around exam time. The number of calls on the CBSE board helpline has dropped drastically. A year ago, the board helpline received 14,000 calls between February 1 and 28, this year it has dropped to 6,000 in the same period.
"The data is definitely encouraging,'' says Vineet Joshi, chairperson of the CBSE board, pointing to both the drop in the number of calls on the helpline, as well as the fact that 69% of CBSE students who had the choice of opting out of the board exams, did so. "Students are a lot happier during the exam season this year. Our system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation, where students are assessed all-year round and not just on the basis of a three-hour exam, has definitely reduced stress levels. The exam is no longer a 'do-or-die' scenario,'' says Joshi.
He also feels that with the assessment spread out across the year, students who don't do too well as the board exam won't feel it's the end of the world.
Incidentally, most calls on the helpline this year were over administrative matters, with only a small number suffering from examination stress. Of the 6,000 students who called on the helpline last month, only around 1,600 were stress-related. Contrast this with last year, where stress-related calls on the helpline were nearly five times higher. In February 2010, 7,333 students called the helpline over mental health issues.
The numbers show a very positive story. This is precisely the objective of the making board exams optional, and to a large extent it seems to have been met,'' says Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School
A drop in the number of panic-stricken phone calls on the CBSE helpline has translated into less stress at school. Many principals say the environment at school during exam time this year is a sea-change from previous years.
"Only 18 of 169 students at our school are appearing for the board exam. The anxiety levels are a lot lower and children are in a better frame of mind,'' said Cherian George, principal of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at IIT Powai.
Parents of those who have opted out of the board exam say their children are preparing for the Class X exam in a stress-free environment. Mitali Chatterjee, the mother of a Class X student at RN Podar School, says while studies are going on as usual there's no tension at home.
At Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri, the atmosphere is vey relaxed and this goes for both those who have opted out of the board exam as well as those who will be giving their boards. This has a lot to do with the fact that 60% of the assessment for Class X has been done all year round at school, and the exam will be worth only 40% of the total score for Class X. Those who do not appear for the board exam, will sit for the Class X exam at school, and get their papers assessed by school teachers. Papers for both sets of students have been set by the board.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Buddha's tips on managing a stressfull/disturbed mind
WORTH READING AND A GOOD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
Once when Buddha was walking from one town to another with a few of his followers, they happened to pass a lake.
They stopped there and Buddha said to one of his disciples, I am thirsty. Go and get me some water from that lake there.
The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that some people were washing clothes in the water, and right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake.As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, How can I give this muddy water to Buddha to drink! So he came back and said to Buddha, The water in the lake is very muddy. I dont think it is fit to drink. After about half an hour, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found that the lake had absolutely clear water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha.
Buddha looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said, See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be, and the mud settled down on its own and then you got clear water. Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You dont have to put in any effort to calm it down.
It will happen. It is effortless.
Happiness Always
Once when Buddha was walking from one town to another with a few of his followers, they happened to pass a lake.
They stopped there and Buddha said to one of his disciples, I am thirsty. Go and get me some water from that lake there.
The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that some people were washing clothes in the water, and right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake.As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, How can I give this muddy water to Buddha to drink! So he came back and said to Buddha, The water in the lake is very muddy. I dont think it is fit to drink. After about half an hour, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found that the lake had absolutely clear water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha.
Buddha looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said, See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be, and the mud settled down on its own and then you got clear water. Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You dont have to put in any effort to calm it down.
It will happen. It is effortless.
Happiness Always
How to beat exam stress
Johnson Thomas, Director , Aasra
Exam stress is more rampant in India because we have a larger population under the age group of 30 ( 60%), high risk group for suicide and depression worldwide is between 15 and 40 yrs. And we have a peculiar culture and attitude that stresses on academics above all other talents. more weightage is given to academics than any other achievement. Even life skills are neglected in favor of academic achievements. So when stress happens students find themselves inadequately equipped for coping with difficult situations.
We need a better understanding of the role of stress in accelerating depressive illnesses which in turn accentuate the risk of early death by suicide. Systemic changes and concerted awareness campaigns are required to bring about a changes in behavior with regards to priorities in life. Stress-management interventions for high-risk groups at an early age can also have a positive impact on early risk trajectories, yle choices, Systemic changes, informed lifestyle choices and Stress management, combined with promoting healthy lifestyles in adolescence and young adulthood, are more likely to generate long-term economic and social advantages.
Aasra doesn't give advice. We only facilitate the process of de-stressing in times of crisis. We are a crisis intervention centre for suicide prevention and pride ourselves for not forcing our views on our clients/callers. Through the process of non-directive counselling which we term as befriending- we empower our clients to make decisions likely to alleviate their stress as best suited to their unique situation.
tips for students to beat stress..
Students have a lot of stress especially during the exam period. Exams themselves are a compelling experience that causes stress, because the stakes are high: the dreams that students make for their lives, the pressure of unfulfilled dreams of their parents, the beginning of a career, the expectations that they have for themselves, the expectations parents have for their children. The exam stress is usually associated with the fear that students will disappoint their parents by their performance, and with the expectations they have from themselves. Physical symptoms:( abdominal pains, headaches, rapid pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, muscle tension)
Stress is created by the negative thoughts created and grow inside our mind and in the worst case, stress can completely block our mind, and lead us to abandon our effort.Stress can:Limit the ability of our actual performance and Makes us suffer, both physically and mentally. The symptoms are usually a Reduction of performance(Difficulty in concentration, mental blockade (black out), difficulty in organizing information), Psychological symptoms( negative thoughts, low self-esteem , irritability and insomnia)
Tips to manage/reduce stress
Prepare well before exams( at least start 2-3 months in advance) if possible. if you are the type to study at the last minute then concentrate on important chapters deduced from previous question paper sets. Do not waste time overexerting or else you will not do well.
Identify capability and learn as per your capability and not as per yours or others expectations
be practical and manage time as per your individual capacity to absorb information
stay away from those you percieve to be better at studies than you, especially during the exam period
accept your performance for what it is rather than what you want it to be
Remember there is always a second chance at an exam. Tthere is no reason to be ashamed if you do badly in one. it's just that your skills lie in a different (as yet unexplored) direction. There is no reason to lose hope ever!
Johnson Thomas
Director
Aasra
www.aasra.info
helpline:91-22- 27546669/27546667
mob: 9820466726
Exam stress is more rampant in India because we have a larger population under the age group of 30 ( 60%), high risk group for suicide and depression worldwide is between 15 and 40 yrs. And we have a peculiar culture and attitude that stresses on academics above all other talents. more weightage is given to academics than any other achievement. Even life skills are neglected in favor of academic achievements. So when stress happens students find themselves inadequately equipped for coping with difficult situations.
We need a better understanding of the role of stress in accelerating depressive illnesses which in turn accentuate the risk of early death by suicide. Systemic changes and concerted awareness campaigns are required to bring about a changes in behavior with regards to priorities in life. Stress-management interventions for high-risk groups at an early age can also have a positive impact on early risk trajectories, yle choices, Systemic changes, informed lifestyle choices and Stress management, combined with promoting healthy lifestyles in adolescence and young adulthood, are more likely to generate long-term economic and social advantages.
Aasra doesn't give advice. We only facilitate the process of de-stressing in times of crisis. We are a crisis intervention centre for suicide prevention and pride ourselves for not forcing our views on our clients/callers. Through the process of non-directive counselling which we term as befriending- we empower our clients to make decisions likely to alleviate their stress as best suited to their unique situation.
tips for students to beat stress..
Students have a lot of stress especially during the exam period. Exams themselves are a compelling experience that causes stress, because the stakes are high: the dreams that students make for their lives, the pressure of unfulfilled dreams of their parents, the beginning of a career, the expectations that they have for themselves, the expectations parents have for their children. The exam stress is usually associated with the fear that students will disappoint their parents by their performance, and with the expectations they have from themselves. Physical symptoms:( abdominal pains, headaches, rapid pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, muscle tension)
Stress is created by the negative thoughts created and grow inside our mind and in the worst case, stress can completely block our mind, and lead us to abandon our effort.Stress can:Limit the ability of our actual performance and Makes us suffer, both physically and mentally. The symptoms are usually a Reduction of performance(Difficulty in concentration, mental blockade (black out), difficulty in organizing information), Psychological symptoms( negative thoughts, low self-esteem , irritability and insomnia)
Tips to manage/reduce stress
Prepare well before exams( at least start 2-3 months in advance) if possible. if you are the type to study at the last minute then concentrate on important chapters deduced from previous question paper sets. Do not waste time overexerting or else you will not do well.
Identify capability and learn as per your capability and not as per yours or others expectations
be practical and manage time as per your individual capacity to absorb information
stay away from those you percieve to be better at studies than you, especially during the exam period
accept your performance for what it is rather than what you want it to be
Remember there is always a second chance at an exam. Tthere is no reason to be ashamed if you do badly in one. it's just that your skills lie in a different (as yet unexplored) direction. There is no reason to lose hope ever!
Johnson Thomas
Director
Aasra
www.aasra.info
helpline:91-22- 27546669/27546667
mob: 9820466726
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