Take it easy, shrinks, schools tell students in grip of exam fever
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai:14.02.2020
A 17-year-old class topper, unable to cope with the pressure of preparing for board exams and NEET, broke down at a psychologist’s clinic recently. With the exam season around the corner, students and parents are feeling the heat. Dizzying expectations and hours of preparation are resulting in anxiety-ridden youngsters landing at the doors of psychologists.
Clinical neuropsychologist B S Virudhagirinathan said many students with exam-related anxiety are seeking help. “A student came with a complaint that she goes blank in the exam hall. During assessment, we found that her memory was getting affected due to high anxiety.” The reason, he says, is parents pushing children too hard. “Many parents are not allowing their children to relax during exam preparation. It is important that they take breaks and relax by listening to music or playing,” he says.
Realising the need calm nerves, schools have begun to advise children on best methods to prepare for exams.
Principal of Velammal Vidyalaya Shyamala Subbu said their school has brought in experts from outside who taught students a few simple techniques for exam preparation and exercises to relax. The school also told students to have a good night’s sleep and not refer to many books at the last minute. “We advised them to stay away from gadgets while preparing for exams and to take healthy food,” she said. Another school has asked students to avoid junk food and have healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, juices and lots of water while preparing for the exams.
Radhika Unni, principal of SBOA School and Junior College, said parents and teachers should be available to boost the youngsters and allay their fears.
“Some students start preparations early and some might do it at the last minute. Parents need to give them positive feedback and at the same time ensure they get enough rest during preparations,” she said.
The Tamil Nadu health helpline 104 has launched a pre-exam counselling service.
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai:14.02.2020
A 17-year-old class topper, unable to cope with the pressure of preparing for board exams and NEET, broke down at a psychologist’s clinic recently. With the exam season around the corner, students and parents are feeling the heat. Dizzying expectations and hours of preparation are resulting in anxiety-ridden youngsters landing at the doors of psychologists.
Clinical neuropsychologist B S Virudhagirinathan said many students with exam-related anxiety are seeking help. “A student came with a complaint that she goes blank in the exam hall. During assessment, we found that her memory was getting affected due to high anxiety.” The reason, he says, is parents pushing children too hard. “Many parents are not allowing their children to relax during exam preparation. It is important that they take breaks and relax by listening to music or playing,” he says.
Realising the need calm nerves, schools have begun to advise children on best methods to prepare for exams.
Principal of Velammal Vidyalaya Shyamala Subbu said their school has brought in experts from outside who taught students a few simple techniques for exam preparation and exercises to relax. The school also told students to have a good night’s sleep and not refer to many books at the last minute. “We advised them to stay away from gadgets while preparing for exams and to take healthy food,” she said. Another school has asked students to avoid junk food and have healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, juices and lots of water while preparing for the exams.
Radhika Unni, principal of SBOA School and Junior College, said parents and teachers should be available to boost the youngsters and allay their fears.
“Some students start preparations early and some might do it at the last minute. Parents need to give them positive feedback and at the same time ensure they get enough rest during preparations,” she said.
The Tamil Nadu health helpline 104 has launched a pre-exam counselling service.
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