How to cope with Stress of Competitive Exams

Exam stress is perhaps the biggest menace for students. Stress is the silent enemy that erodes you from within mentally, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Stress can wear and tear your bodies thereby reduces the productivity and efficiency.

Stress greatly trickled down to the youngsters. A large number of student appear in competitive exams like Civil Services conducted by UPSC, Indian Forest Services(IFS), Management exams, Engineering entrance tests, Banking Exams, etc., in all these exams, the students fail to manage stress, anxiety and depression that lead to poor performance in the exam thereby frustration and disappointment. Exam time is round the corner and students are working hard to ace their papers and secure good results. Cut throat competition and high expectations have now become part of the package. And though stress and pressure during exams is not new, students must learn to use this to their advantage. One of the most important driving forces is confidence.

You must believe in your capabilities and be sure of what you can do. Many students sail through the preparation but often panic on the day of the examination. It is natural to feel nervous prior to the exam, but getting excessively nervous is counterproductive as it will hinder your ability to think clearly. Develop a time table so that you can track and monitor your progress.

Remember, when you see a question you can't answer do not panic. It is better to write something down than nothing at all. Try your best, but if you do not do as well as you hoped, it is not the end of the world.

Battle examination stress

· Develop a time table so that you can monitor your progress.

· When you start losing concentration, take a short break.

· Move all distractions like television and Internet away.

· Stick colorful notes with formulas around your room.

· Don't get influenced by the revision your friends are doing.

Relaxation techniques

· Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply.

· Try to relax tensed muscles; imagine the tension disappearing.

· Relax the body, from your feet to the top of your head.

· As you focus on each part of your body, think of warmth.

· After 20 minutes, take some deep breaths and stretch.

The final word is one should have sound body and mind for the preparation of the preparation of the Competitive exams and for this to remain calm, composed, cheerful and jolly is very essential.