Psychiatrists say all work and no play makes students dull and depressed.

Dr Hozefa Bhinderwala, Psychiatrist and Author of the book ‘Small steps to Big Reading’ said that, students should believe in themselves rather than doubting things. “Along with students it is also important that their parents should stop torturing their kids about ‘Board’ exams. They should understand it is just like another exam” said Bhinderwala.

Bhinderwala informed that, it is very important to give children access to their gadgets for some time during breaks. “Now-a-days children are very attracted to social networking sites; it is okay to give them their gadgets for a few minutes if it makes them feel fresh. And also, the time during which they can use it should be decided by the students rather than parents” said Bhinderwala.

Agreeing with this, Dr Fabian Almeida, a Child Psychiatrist, said, “New topics should not be touched by students. They should only do revision of whatever they have studied. Studying new topics at the end moment would raise their anxiety levels.”

Almeida also explained that it very important that students and parents do not discuss the examination paper after their child has appeared for the exam. “Students should prepare for the following day’s paper rather than going through the paper which they have already appeared for. Parents should not compare their child’s performance with other children. And students should avoid doing the same with their friends” said Almeida.

Psychiatrists say important things to follow during and before the exams are:

1. Taking Breaks: Students should take breaks in every 2 hours, so that they are freshened up and concentrate well.
2. Play: Board exams do not mean students should not play. Playing is as important as eating food and drinking water.
3. Access to gadgets: Students should be given access to their mobile phones and video games for a period of time during the day.
4. Night Sleep: 7 to 8 hours of the sleep is essential for students during the night, as the e body can’t function well without it because of which body functions well.

Dr K. R. Dhebri, a Physician, at Girguam, Mumbai said, “I get lot of cases of students suffering from fatigue and panic attacks. It is very essential that parents support their children. Students should avoid junk food and oily food which causes them stomach aches, viral fever.”

Dietician Neha Chheda, from Neha’s Nutrifit Clinic informed that, exams take a toll on students. Good nutrition during this period is a must. Parents and the family should make sure that their children eat well good and have balanced nutrition.

Chheda said these are few important steps which can be done during the SSC/HSC exams:

1. Hydration: Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink lot of water and juices that helps in keeping the brain functioning well.
2. Do not skip Breakfast:Do not skip breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day. It helps balance the sugar levels and helps increase concentration level. Opt for one source of cereal such as oats, muesli, chapatti, with milk, plus some eggs and a fruit.
3. Consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods like fish, flaxseeds, broccoli, almonds, lean red meat and whole grain helps in improving memory and concentration.
4. Foods to avoid:Avoid food items with high-fat content like deserts, ghee, butter, etc. as they tend to make your mind sluggish and sleepy.
5. No to caffeine:Stay away from too much caffeine as it can disturb your sleep and reduce the clarity of thinking.
6. If your studying at night: Opt for healthier food options while you are awake at night like baked soya snacks, dry fruits, channa, khakras, puffed rice, etc.

  Exams, health, parents, sleep, stress, students