With board examinations looming on the horizon, students in Lucknow are grappling with mounting pressure and anxiety. Educational and mental health professionals are now issuing crucial advice, urging students to shun last-minute panic and instead embrace a calm, well-organized approach to their final preparations.
Student Voices: The Pressure of Expectations
Students themselves are vocal about the intense stress that accompanies the exam season. Narayani Singh, a Class 12 student, describes the overwhelming feeling of facing an endless syllabus. "At this stage, it becomes very confusing to decide what to study first," she shares. The dual pressure of revising everything while also completing unfinished portions creates a cycle of anxiety and self-doubt.
Echoing similar sentiments, Class 10 student Shubham Kesarwani points to the weight of expectations. "There is continuous pressure from family, teachers, and even ourselves," he says. He adds that when so much seems at stake, even minor distractions can break concentration, making it hard to study calmly for extended hours.
Expert Blueprint: Discipline, Planning, and Health
Career consultant and educator Amrita Dass emphasizes the non-negotiable pillars of success: discipline and a positive mindset. She insists that students must create a realistic timetable that strategically balances their strong and weak subjects. "Regular revision, taking mock tests, and setting achievable daily targets are crucial. These steps reduce anxiety and bring much-needed clarity," Dass advises.
She strongly advocates for students to prioritize their health alongside their books. This includes ensuring adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and staying physically active. These factors, she notes, are often overlooked but are critical for optimal performance.
The Crucial Role of Home Environment and Professional Help
Umar Mushir, a senior consultant at a leading private hospital in Lucknow, highlights the significant role parents play. A supportive home environment, he states, is a major stress reliever. "Parents should avoid comparisons between children, limit unnecessary screen time, and consistently reassure their children of their capabilities," Mushir recommends.
He underscores that emotional support, patience, and open communication can greatly boost a student's confidence. However, he also cautions that if stress becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help is a wise and necessary step.
Subject-Specific Strategies and Mental Techniques
Clinical psychologist PK Khatri offers targeted advice for different streams. He advises students to aim for completing the entire syllabus rather than relying on selective study, as comprehensive coverage builds greater confidence. For science students, he recommends daily formula revision. Arts students, on the other hand, should focus on improving writing speed and content quality.
To maintain composure during the high-pressure exam hours, Khatri suggests practising techniques like deep breathing and meditation. These tools can help students remain focused and manage anxiety effectively in the examination hall.
The collective message from Lucknow's experts is clear: conquering board exams is as much about smart, structured preparation and self-care as it is about academic knowledge. By managing stress proactively, students can navigate this challenging period more successfully.
