Tips for students

There is no shortcut to reducing exam stress levels, but a combination of many steps will help you remain mentally calm and up to the challenge.

1. Don't try to emulate your friends' study habits. For instance, if your best friend studies late into the night, but you can concentrate better early in the morning, don't change your schedule to match your friend's.

Pay heed to your own biological clock, which can wreak havoc if tampered with.

Twenty-year old Cheryl* made this mistake when she appeared for her Class XII exam. "I feel very fresh in the morning. But just because my hostel mates would stay up late to study, I would do the same. I drank lots of coffee and stayed up many nights, but I did not score well at all," she says.

2. Stop comparing yourself with your friend and classmates. Concentrate on doing your best, and you will see quicker results.

3. Make sure you eat on time. Don't scrooge on your meals.

A good breakfast is essential and the most important meal of the day.

Many kids leave for school really early in the morning and prefer to skip breakfast because they are not hungry or are in a tearing hurry.

If this is the case, have a glass of milk and some fruit. Carry along a snack and make sure you eat it during the break.

4. Besides, studying hard, make sure you get enough rest. Pack in some recreational activity that helps you relax.

5. Do some deep breathing first thing in the morning and at times when you feel very stressed. This helps calm the mind.

When your mind is calm, you can accomplish anything.