The pandemic and ongoing exams are taking a toll on the mental well-being of children. Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, shares tips to help students protect their mental health. Apart from ensuring that kids exercise daily, eat and sleep well, equal attention needs to be paid to help them cope better.

Tips to help students protect their mental health

It’s important for children to have a fixed time for study and play. This gives them a chance to relax, especially when preparing for an exam. Undue mental and physical stress can take a toll on their well-being. Hence, here’s what you can do to ensure your kids are better equipped to handle stress due to exams.

• Revise and practice daily

Students need to understand the format of examinations and should be familiar with the syllabus. Encourage them to prepare a timetable that allows them to finish the syllabus, and leaves time for at least two revisions.

• Take breaks as and when needed

Students should allow themselves time to rest and to take breaks. Listen to music, talk to friends, etc.

• Practice makes perfect

Practice answering questions by simulating exam conditions (especially online ones) at home. This allows students to set the pace during the actual exam. Prior to the exam day, they should revise what they have learned. Also, get a good night’s sleep (for at least six hours). Try a stressbuster activity, and limit coffee intake.

• Avoid consuming any memory enhancement pills

They may cause more harm, and usually interfere with the recall of stored information.

• Avoid last-minute studying

Try doing a small relaxing exercise (like deep breathing) to help calm your nerves and focus your attention on the paper.

• Pace yourself during an exam

If you don’t know an answer, move to the next question, and come back to it later. After an exam, avoid discussion with friends and focus on the next exam.

Most importantly, remember that it’s just an exam. If you are feeling stressed, lonely or anxious, reach out to a mental health expert for help.