5 ways to de-stress yourself before engineering entrance exam

Every student who aims to become a high-achiever in national, state or private level engineering entrance exam including JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, WBJEE, UPSEE etc is bound to experience exam stress. While candidates often start preparations for such exams as soon as they step into their 12th standard curriculum, the last month seems to be filled with frayed nerves and weakening confidences.

In reality, stress turns out to be an important deciding factor in whether one deals with it, chin up or whether one crumbles and fall. Undue stress can affect the final performance by adding unnecessary anxiety which leads to self-doubt and can be a route to careless mistakes. Commendable students often pause, reflect and in-turn, choose a path that  help them overcome the stalemate and not  just wait for the wave of crippling apprehension to swallow them into oblivion.

Ramesh Batlish, FIITJEE expert, suggests few ways in which students can de-stress themselves before the big day, according to their levels of coping mechanism.

1. Sleep is your best friend

For some students, a blatant mistake of staying up late at night to finish the syllabus is a common ritual. The benefits of a proper night’s sleep should never be underestimated. Sleep helps your brain to assimilate new knowledge into your long-term memory so that you can recall it when it comes to test day. Whereas, lack of proper sleep is said to decrease concentration level and increase anxiety attacks. Early to be, early to rise, keeps the students bright and wise!

2. Dish out some pet love.

Studies have stated innumerably that just petting a dog or cat can lower the blood pressure, reduce heart rate while elevate mood through an instant spike in dopamine. Pets have also been said to help students in gaining focus while studying and reduce anxiety. Pet therapies have a calming effect and is said to be in rage, currently. The best part is- animals are so pure, they never discriminate. A pet a day keeps anxiety away!

3. Zumba it out!

The jittery feeling in the stomach is nothing but excess energy. Students need to get this out when they are nervous. One shouldn’t spend every waking minute wearing the brain or it gets susceptible to a burn out. Short bursts of rigorous movements are said to have a proactive effect on the mind as it helps fresh thoughts to pile up in a jiffy. Zumba marries the concept of movement with the art of fluidity and hence, would be of much help. They’ll feel exhilarated and ready to dive back into your notes. All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy!

4. Be a Zen master

Often exam time fills up an aspirants mind with chaotic, negative thoughts- a call for help. Meditation can be a great way to clear the mind and let positive thoughts in.  One can simply take a break for about 20 minutes and sit somewhere comfortable, close his/her eyes and let the mind wander. Easy visualization through meditation helps to reach the root of any problem and solve it, efficiently, leaving the mind refreshed and more confident about the lessons cover. The key to reaching the pinnacle is to channelize the Buddha in you!

5. Eat those veggies, you!

Students are known to skip meals in their penchant for long, arduous study sessions. Eating adequate meals at the correct time prove to be beneficial as studies show that people who eat breakfast tend to perform better on exams. A steady diet consisting whole-grain complex carbohydrates which takes time to digest, maintains the blood sugar level. Consuming dark chocolate, having over 70% cocoa, fights the stress hormone cortisol and has a relaxing effect on the body, alongside releasing endorphins which act as a natural stress fighter. Food is the way to a fertile mind!

Conclusion

While exams may be a time to make or break, through the above smart tips, one can reach for the stars and even be able to achieve it.

Also read:

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