If you are a student, there is no need for me to explain what exam stress is. Sleepless nights, troubled thoughts, loss of appetite, rapid pulse and trembling hands - these are part and parcel of student life.
However, things really go out of hand when these issues start taking a toll over the students. According to statistics by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)in 2010, 2,479 students committed suicide due to failure. Of them, 2,057 were in the 15-29 age group. The remaining students were out of this range.
I believe that these stress induced suicides can be attributed to societal pressure and the hype around the board examinations. From neighbours to relatives to media, everyone asks the same question just like an India-Pakistan cricket match -- 'what's the score?' This pressure to perform makes children think that they are being judged by society. In a desperation to perform, he/she loses his/her cool.
I think that the solution to the above problem is two-pronged. First, as a society, we need to kill the hype around the examinations because after all the examinees are children. We need to unburden the kids with the weight of expectation from family and society.
Second, the children need to be reassured that this not the test of life. So friends, who are going to sit for the board examinations this year, believe in yourself and remember you just need to do your best and that's what is expected of you. Every single step towards your goal counts. Therefore, don't miss that little step just because you want to take a giant one. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
{{/usCountry}}Second, the children need to be reassured that this not the test of life. So friends, who are going to sit for the board examinations this year, believe in yourself and remember you just need to do your best and that's what is expected of you. Every single step towards your goal counts. Therefore, don't miss that little step just because you want to take a giant one. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
{{/usCountry}}Stressing out will not help you complete your syllabus but maintaining your cool will. Work on problem areas rather sweating over it. Ask for help from your teachers, parents and tutors.
Last but not the least, success has no benchmark in life. So don't push yourself and just try to give your best not just in exams but in life too. Most important, amidst so much of studying, don't forget to take a break! Go for a walk, catch up with a friend, take a nap or listen to some music! Just do every bit to peak your performance and not your stress!
Apoorva Malik
Ryan International School
Rohini