Tips for parents

1. Even if your child has a superior IQ, remember that a high level of intelligence is not enough to achieve success.

Many kids with a lower IQ do much better in life because they are equipped with other qualities like a higher level of self-motivation, a calm state of mind and peace within.
So help your child imbibe these qualities by encouraging and motivating him/ her constantly. If you haven’t been doing this right from their childhood, a good time to start would be now.

2. If your child is capable of scoring 70 per cent, don’t push him/ her to get 90 per cent. Many a time, ambitious parents compare their children’s performance with those of the neighbours.
And God forbid if the latter scores a whole lot better.
Make a realistic appraisal of your child’s capabilities and accept it.

3. Remember, your child is already tense because of the intense competition. So make sure you express your appreciation for how s/ he is working hard.

4. Don’t live your unachieved dreams through your child. Give him/ her space to create and live his/ her own.

5. Make sure your child eats well and does not skip meals. Children tend to snack on wafers and noodles during exams, but these do not cater to their nutritional needs.

6. Keep an eye on your child for symptoms of acute stress, like headaches, stomach problems, nausea and sweating of the palms.
If these start manifesting on a regular basis, seek professional counselling from either the school counsellor or a psychologist.

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.

(Source: Internet)