SOME TIPS FOR STUDENTS
TO DEAL WITH STRESS !

· Make realistic study plans
· Assess priorities, assets and difficulties
· Follow a normalized routine atmosphere at home should be recommended.
· To take frequent breaks.
· Not to strip off TV or entertainment and outings.
· Feel comfortable about oneself.
· That imagining extreme consequences and worst situations is of no use and needs to be discouraged.
· It is helpful to make the student see what he can accomplish in the remaining time is not negligible.
· Constant encouragement and reassurance is essential from all significant members in the school and family.
· It is important that the student is clear about how to take the examination, how to tackle questions and how to manage time.
· Students tend to magnify failures and try to talk to them out of it. They should not demean themselves, manage time.
· Advise them to contact the teachers or counselors if they feel low or anxious or disinterested in studies.

MUST DOS FOR STUDENTS
For improved concentration, motivation, work blocks

· Know your concentration span, study with breaks.
· Work out best time for concentration.
· Group study for difficult subjects.
· Do not let previous results discourage you – identify your weak areas from previous exams. And work on them.
· Time management plan must be made for all subjects.
· Choose a study place with minimum distractions and autosuggest to your self about your resolution.
· Try to coincide study time with the time, you would be giving an exam.
· In case of average achievers, master what you know and are comfortable with.
· For low achievers, master the essential information first.
· Prioritize the workload. Give your best concentration time to the toughest subject.
· Repeat your learnt work so the recall in exam is easy. Work not repeated or revised is easily forgotten.
· Try to plan your revision time by drawing up a timetable. Build in time for the things you enjoy – like watching you favorite TV programme, going out with your friends, or going to play football in the park.
· Give yourself a few treats – pamper yourself with a long hot bath, or listen to your favorite CD for an hour after you have finished your revision.
· Relax with what you know before entering the exam hall.
· Do not get anxious about the result – cross that bridge when you come to it…options await.


MUST DOS FOR PARENTS

· Student can fail to do well if they fail to cope with stress. Parents should guide their children in planning, organizing and setting a timetable.
· To avoid a stress situation for the child the parents must provide right kind of motivation and a conducive environment.
· Help the child to develop self-discipline self-direction, self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
· Just good schooling and tuition are not substitutes for emotional cushioning.
· Help the child in maintaining his confidence especially when he seems discouraged by his dropping marks or grades. Do not displace your anxiety on the child.
· The achievement goals should be realistically set according to the child’s capability.
· Do no mix academic issues with family conflicts.
· Praise your child when he does well. Encourage the child’s performance with positive statements like, “well done”, “you can do better”, rather than saying “that was not enough”.
· Work out your child’s schedule with him instead of nagging him. There could be learning problems.
· Do not harp on previous failures or results.
· Under achievement may be due to some children believing it is safer not to try than to try and fail.
· If achievement expectations are too high then some children would prefer to be criticized for being lazy than being considered not good enough.
· Humor relieves tension. Be light and humorous with the child.
· Try to gain your child’s confidence and discuss his problems with him. Help him to find a solution.
· Exams are not the end of the world.Accept that expectation for every one to do well is unrealistic, as many won’t pursue this for long. About the Author