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Examination stress

Nisha Jose

STRESS - the very word is stressful. One can imagine a wound-up person who desperately needs a break from the rigours of modern life. The hectic pace of life cannot be wished away and stress has become a feature of life. It is a pity that even education has become a stressful experience. Evidence has it that many students dread examinations. Who is to be blamed - the education system, the parents or the students themselves? Since students bear the brunt of the problem, they should take the initiative to find a solution for this.

Life is incomplete without education. But the education system has reduced some students to quivering, gutless creatures, whose lives are controlled by report cards. Education is another word for gaining knowledge. But with rising population, dearth of jobs and increase in competitiveness, education has become almost like preparing for warfare; the power of weapons determines the chances of survival. Among other things, do we not also go to school to learn things for posterity, become a better human being and learn about our country and heritage?

The student world is being ripped apart by huge expectations, cutthroat competition and soaring ambitions. This is precisely why the average student feels stifled in the present scenario. The advice then is to take the bull by its horns. Be on the offensive rather than the defensive, you are less likely to get hurt. Since examinations are inevitable, face them with a bold attitude. However, this attitude must be striven for. A textbook is like any other book. If you are familiar with the contents, it will read like a storybook.

Procrastination is the termite that eats into examination preparation. Pick up the subject you dread the most and master it. This tactic will ensure a decimation of stress that may have built up. A thorough knowledge of the concepts will ensure smooth sailing. A fear of failure is the main reason for stress. Failure is a stigma that is not easy to live with in contemporary society. Success or failure largely depends upon the individual. A failure is not the end of a world; it also throws up many issues for contemplation. If the repair is duly completed, it puts you back on the road to success and this time success will taste sweeter.

You do not run into exams just round the corner. Exam schedules are intimated in advance to facilitate preparation for the same. Mindless and unfocussed grinding leads one nowhere. It goes without saying that a methodical approach would be appropriate. A well-developed routine with a built-in reward system is advisable. Instead of grappling with the reality of exams at the eleventh hour, students must prepare earlier on. Since exams measure one's depth of knowledge students must consider them as essential and not an imposition. If there were no exams, how could you prove that you were better than the rest? After all a war is not won hands down. If there is a concept that is beyond your comprehension, seek help. There is plenty of assistance available by way of committed teachers, parents, online pedagogy etc.

The opportunities in life are not many. The privilege to study and make a mark has been given only to a select few. Examinations are just a passing phase. They are not meant to overpower you. There is nothing that a determined mind cannot achieve. The power must come from within. Understand your inhibitions and try to overcome them. High goals are meant to urge you on and not create misery. Set yourself realistic goals. Share your problems with a good friend. Solicit the assistance of elders who would have been through scores of exams. There is no replacing regular revision as every inspiring achiever will swear by the same words - regular revision. All said and done - take time off to relax between those intellectually demanding hours. You need to recharge your batteries to make optimum use of them.

Never be afraid of failure, as the fear of failure will completely destroy you. Above all, repose faith in God. Give it your best shot and leave the rest to God. Never walk away like the fox that could not reach the grapes, do not curse the height, try to jump as high as you can. You may fall and hurt yourself, do not go back defeated, what you need is a ladder, look around for one and you may spot an elevator. Good Luck!