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How to overcome stress of exams at home

Stress is the most normal reaction to upcoming exams like NEET. Although you try hard not to worry, constant reminders from teachers and parents about the importance of national eligibility tests hardly help.

What happens when you feel stressed?

  • You tend to worry a lot
  • You may snap at your parents or friends for small reasons
  • You don’t get 8-hours of sleep at night
  • You have headaches, stomach pains and muscle fatigue
  • You lose interest in food or eat more than usual
  • You feel that your future is uncertain
  • You do not enjoy playing, going out, watching TV or playing games
  • You want to avoid any conversation about exams

Now, if this is happening to you, know that you are not alone. We are here to help you cope with stress and the signs of stress.

First step

Okay! I know this is controversial, but I need to put this out there - Mindfulness and meditation doesn’t work for everyone. Especially if you are feeling very anxious and you find it hard to sit still for 5-minutes, don’t force it.

Meditation isn’t the only way to achieve relaxation and calmness. 

  • Sit straight in the lotus posture or on your chair.
  • Take a deep breath for 5 seconds, feel your stomach rise completely.
  • Hold it for 3-seconds.
  • Release your breath slowly over the next 5-seconds, feel your stomach go flat.

Just focus on the movements of your chest and stomach, and the counting. Repeat this 10 times in the morning and at night.

Second step

Once you feel a little calm from the breathing exercise, sit down to make a routine.

  • Remember, this is just a guideline for your daily activities including studying, hobbies, and exercising. Running late by 30-minutes or an hour isn’t a deal breaker.
  • Set time aside for meals and your favourite activities. If you have a favourite TV show, go ahead and include it in that schedule!
  • When eating, refrain from talking about the exam and anything related to NEET.
  • Your study-hours are the only time you are going to think about NEET preparations.
  • During your free-time, try to read light fiction, watch some entertaining movies or go out for a walk.

Third step

You need to set achievable goals.

We can understand how daunting the entire syllabus must seem right now. But you have already completed most of it in the past year!

If you have done it once, you can do it again. Break the entire syllabus into bite-sized chunks. Dedicated each day for a subject.

Plan the different chapters you are going to revise and the mock test papers you are going to solve over the next 30-days. If you don’t finish a chapter within the stipulated time, don’t worry. There’s always tomorrow.

You do not have to memorize every sentence! Study smartly. Figure out which topics are most important for this year and pay more attention to them.

Most importantly, keep one day aside for yourself to unwind. Your brain needs rest to process the heavy load.

Fourth step

Don’t battle stress alone. Stress can make you feel isolated. It’s okay to not be okay!

  • Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength.
  • Tell your parents about the pressure you feel.
  • You can talk to your guidance counsellor at school.
  • Or, you can talk to an expert and other students who are going through something similar at iAmEars.

Fifth step

Never forget that NEET isn’t everything.

  • It will not decide how successful you will be in life.
  • It is another entrance exam that will not define you as a person.
  • Your NEET score will not define your worth.
  • You will get plenty of other opportunities in the future to prove yourself.

Examinations like NEET are important. But your health and mental wellbeing are more important.