Bengaluru: The time is now when the whole year’s efforts are put to test through examinations. For most students, it is that dreadful time. Reports of students unable to face pressure and committing suicide are common around this month and when the results are out.

Out to relieve students of this stress, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has special helplines. Every year, the board provides psychological counselling by experts to students and parents. “Parents need counselling as much as the students do. They get stressed, and in turn stress out their kids. The pressure to perform mainly comes from the parents,” says teacher and counsellor Sumita Chakraborty.

Mind Power coach Wilfred Stanley adds, “There are a few points to keep in mind. But there are no general answers to keep away stress. Each child will have a root cause to the problem. What causes stress will also be different for each child. As parents, we shouldn’t compare them with anybody. We should encourage them and ask them not to treat it as an examination. The focus should change to make the outcome better.” Emphasising the need to recognise the root cause, he says a few pointers should help.

“Leading a healthy lifestyle can help combat stress. Meals, recreation and sleep on time will help a student study and retain it better. But if you carry on with an unhealthy lifestyle chances of panic and anxiety are more,” says Ennis Jose D, Co-founder at TalkItOver Counselling Services.

Tips to combat exam fear

– The fear of not able to retain what you have studied goes when you revise
– Plan and organise the most essential things before the day arrives.
– Studying 24X7 is no solution.
– Recreational activities are fodder for the mind to stay calm and clear.