If under pressure, go for counselling
With Board Exams fast approaching, students are entering what can be described as a “trial by fire.” As the countdown begins, the pressure to perform well and prove themselves is becoming overwhelming for many. Academic pressure, fear of failure, self-doubt, sleepless nights, and rising parental expectations are just some of the challenges students are grappling with as exam dates near.
The mental strain students are facing includes anxiety and stress, and for some, the pressure has reached its peak. As the exams draw closer, many feel the weight of the situation becoming even more intense.
Neeta Khanna, a counsellor at Sacred Heart Convent Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar, noted a shift in student behaviour post-Covid. “After Covid, many students have become more casual about their studies, often relying on spoon-feeding and procrastinating. By this time of year, stress, anxiety, and self-doubt set in, making it difficult for them to perform well. Parental pressure and feelings of loneliness exacerbate the problem,” Khanna explained. She emphasised the importance of counselling and mentioned that doctors had been invited to the school recently to talk with students. However, she pointed out that students often struggle to open up to their parents.
While students in private schools have access to counsellors to manage their mental health, those in government schools often don’t have the same resources. A class XII student from Government Senior Secondary School, PAU shared how her family’s financial struggles added to her stress. “The board exams are approaching, and stress levels are at an all-time high. But we have no choice but to manage on our own. I sing or write poetry to relieve some of the pressure,” she said.
Pradeep Kumar, Principal of the PAU school, mentioned that while their resources are limited, they try to provide support by organising “Om” reciting and deep breathing sessions to help students relax. Teachers also encourage students to stay calm and focused during assemblies.
Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Cemetery Road, Charanjit Kaur, highlighted the various stress symptoms students experience during exam time, including blackouts, anxiety, cramming, and increased heartbeats. “Each student’s experience is unique, and the specific stressors they face will depend on their individual circumstances and personality,” Kaur noted.
For many students, sports and physical activities offer a much-needed escape from the pressure. Bikramjit Singh, Navdeep Singh, and Raghav Arora, all class X students at Nankana Public School, said they turn to cricket, badminton, and other games to unwind.
Stress management methods
Time Schedule: Counsellors emphasise the importance of creating a structured study schedule and sticking to it. Planning ahead helps reduce stress and ensures students stay on track.
Self-Care: Prioritise physical well-being by getting 7-8 hours of sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet. Avoid caffeine, sugary foods, and energy drinks, as they can worsen stress levels.
Relaxation Techniques: Practice methods like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation to help calm the mind and body during stressful times.
SEEK HELP: It’s important for students to talk to friends, family, or counsellors to share their concerns. Taking breaks and engaging in enjoyable activities like listening to music or chatting with loved ones can also help reduce stress.
