Fr. Freddie Pereira, SDB –
Stress during examination is normal but when it overlaps with excessive anxiety, it could interfere with a person’s health and academic performance. Exam stress can be unpleasant, but it can also help a student to perform better. A student who is overly stressed gets a feeling of despair, anxiety or worry. They feel unable to concentrate or to think clearly. Some experience sleep disorders and prolonged tiredness. Panic and inability to relax are also symptoms of stress during examination. It is frightening to note that exam stress these days lead to a wave of student suicides.
Reasons for Stress During Exams
- Insufficient Preparation and Planning
A student has to make sure that every thing is ready well in advance before the exams. I know of a student who did not note the university exam time – table properly and appeared studying the wrong subject. Before starting with studies, students should design their personal time-table, which directs all the material that has to be covered and tells them how much is needed to be studied at a specific period of time.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.” (Prov.21:5)
- Over Expectation of Parents
Every parent wants their children to succeed and it is normal and healthy for them to have and communicate their hopes and expectations to their kids. But the child must not be given the feeling that “it is never good enough for mom and dad”. Unrealistic expectation from parents push the child to discouragement and stress. Recognizing and giving approval to a child for his /her strengths and abilities is the needed ingredient for development.
- Competition in the Class Room
The competitive condition prevailing in the class room encourages students to view their class mates as mere instruments racing to reach a goal. Students must realise that understanding and internalizing concepts and knowledge is more important than defeating the other. The companions of a class must be united and have a strong sense of we-feeling.
- Difficulty in Handling Academic Pressure
When educational institutions don’t pay attention to extra-curriculars andenvisage a holistic application process, but simply request academic grades and hint on performance only, pressure build up in students. Because of this, teachers, parents and students apply too much stress on themselves to perform well in school. Academic activitythus becomes for them a heavy stuff to cope up with.
Coping with Exam Stress
- Take Care of Yourself.
Personal care by taking food in time, getting the normal sleep, physical exercise and sufficient relaxation during examination time can help beat stress related issues during examination.
- Believe in yourself.
It is good to approach examinations with a positive framework of mind. Believe that you can do it. I remember a retired school head-mistress advising a group of children in a rehabilitation home, who had the fear of failing in exams, to just target the minimum qualification mark. She told them that they must believe that they are all capable of achieving a small target.
- Seek help
Students must feel free to share with others their expectations, fears and anxieties. There are people willing to listen, guide and pray for individuals who seek support. Some times there can be irrational fears and anxiety that can be removed by confiding in someone you trust.
- Set realistic goals
Set goals that can be realised without stress. The more specific you are, the better motivated you’ll be as you get closer to achieving your goal. Academic goal can make you more focused and reduces the stress level.
- Trust in God
Research shows that people who are more religious use their spirituality to cope with life. The Bible is a source that can heal our stress and boost our confidence. Read it with faith before initiating any academic work. It says: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”(Prov.16:3). “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Ps.94:19). Ask the grace of the Holy Spirit when you are at the study desk and commit sometime for prayer.
Students and teachers are already gearing up for the forth coming annual exams. It is part of the life of every learner. Exams must be taken as it comes with the necessary preparation. Being stressed does not solve anything. With God given gifts, a student can work towards attaining academic goals. May the Holy Spirit grant each student the grace to overcome every stress and perform well with confidence.
We thank Christeen magazine for giving us permission to run this article which appeared in its February 2018 issue.