Take care in the exam season!

Cool to visit shrink for HSC students    Puja Pednekar

   Barshali Naik, 17, is feeling the heat as she nervously pours over her books trying to cram for her HSC exams, which start on February 21. Unable to cope with the rising stress, Naik told her parents that she plans to seek professional help for herself.

   A science student from Kalbadevi, Naik says, “I’m feeling anxious for the exams. My palms keep sweating every time I study. I even suffered from blank spells. So I decided I needed professional help.”

   Come exam time, anxiety among students starts rising. But city shrinks say that nowadays students themselves approach them for help and do not have to be dragged in by parents.
Seema Hingorrany, clinical psychologist, says, “We are seeing a rising number of cases where students are approaching us on their own, or asking their parents to take them to see counsellors or psychologists. This also shows that gradually the stigma attached to therapy is reducing.”
   Sumeet Ray, a student from Goregaon, says, “I started visiting a psychologist two months ago because I found that I was unable to deal with exam stress on my own. I want to study medicine but now that Std XII score is also considered for admission to medical colleges I want to score above 97%.” “I just wasn’t feeling prepared to appear for the exams. So I started going to a shrink,” Ray adds.

   Hingorrany says stressed students can’t even turn to their parents, because parents themselves are unable to cope with the stress. “Most students consulting with me right now say that talking to their parents makes them feel more hyper. Parents put pressure on students and scare them during exams. Hence, students are seeking outside help,” she adds.
Psychiatrist Harish Shetty says, “Generally, parents tell their children that they will fail the exam or not get admission in any good college. Such negative thoughts depress the child further. Parents should instead boost their confidence.”

Courtesy: DNA, Feb 09, 2013 http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=38608&boxid=16619&ed_date=2013-2-09&ed_code=820009&ed_page=4

Experts warn Children to keep away from viral videos

Feeling exam blues? Keep away from viral videos on the internet.

    While it seems like a good idea to watch a peppy music video on Youtube as one takes a break from the strenuous study routine, experts warn students that watching such videos can hook them on to the videos and make them hyperactive.

   As the Std XII board exams are drawing closer, city students are feeling the pressure, but shrinks warn students to stay away from watching viral videos like Gangnam style. Instead, they say, playing games like Rubic cubes, puzzles or even light reading can help in de-stressing before exams.

   Rinku Dahl, counsellor with Vandrevala Foundation helpline, says that while watching such funny or music videos might provide students momentary relief, it does not give their brain any rest. “Often students turn to the internet for entertainment during a study break. But instead of calming down, such videos distract students from studies and can hook them for hours together,” she adds.

   Seema Hingorrany, clinical psychologist, says watching viral videos or listening to loud music can affect one’s concentration. “Viral videos make brain hyperactive and increase depression. Music can help relax only when it is soothing. Listening to instrumental music can help in calming down,” she says.

   Experts say students should go for a walk, talk to their friends or parents, or read some jokes for relaxation. “Solving a crossword or a puzzle, or playing with a Rubic cube can help one unwind mentally and feel refreshed,” says Dahl.

   Also, physical exercises and breathing exercises help. “Practising simple yoga asanas and deep breathing exercises will leave students feeling refreshed. It’s important to feel positive and focus on positive things,” she adds.

   Moreover, there is nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Even occasional power naps, for 15 to 20 minutes, can leave you feeling refreshed, says Hingorrany.

Courtesy: DNA, Feb 09, 2013

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=38608&boxid=14923&ed_date=2013-2-09&ed_code=820009&ed_page=4

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

    During exams, you tend to push your mind and body in ways they aren’t accustomed to. To counter this, you need a healthy, nutritious diet to keep you going. Here’s some advice from Eileen Canday, chief dietician, Breach Candy Hospital

Say no to junk (no, really!)

Junk and fried food dehydrates the body and is difficult to digest. Moreover, it makes you feel hungry more often. Instead of junk food, snack on nuts like walnuts and almonds that will leave you feeling full for a longer time. Also, drink lots of water.

Don’t over-eat

During meals, try to eat lighter but more nutritious food like whole-wheat bread, green vegetables and eggs. Supplement the meal with roughage foods like cucumbers and carrots.

Avoid late-night caffeine

   Cups of coffee or tea to stay up late will sound like a good idea for the moment, but they contain stimulants that disturb your sleep cycle, and will not allow you to sleep even when you’re ready to. Instead, drink buttermilk, juices, soup or have a bowl of yoghurt.

MOVE YOUR BODY

  Engage in some kind of physical activity or sport even during the exams. This will release endorphins, which keep stress at bay, says Sayed Sultan Ahmed, managing director, EduMedia. Moreover, physical movement makes students remember better. It improves memory by increasing blood flow to the brain and producing new brain cells. Also, allow some (albeit limited) time for your hobbies, too.

TACKLING NERVES

   Admit to yourself that you won’t know all the answers, no matter how hard you have studied. If you feel nervous about a question, skip forward to the next question. Don’t waste time. Never panic after a test. You will still be the same the person irrespective of the marks you get, so less marks doesn’t mean the end of the world.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times (Mumbai), 6 Feb 2013