With exam fever going on and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 2025 board exams started, many students are reeling under stress and anxiety.
Exam stress can significantly impact a student's mental and physical well-being, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. If left unaddressed, it may lead to anxiety and depression.
In the eighth edition of the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students, parents and teachers and shared valuable lessons on nutrition and wellness, handling pressure, and staying motivated.
Several prominent personalities, including Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Bhumi Pednekar, Sadhguru, Gaurav Chaudhary (known as Technical Guruji) and leading nutrition experts Shonali Sabherwal, and Rujuta Diwekar, participated in different sessions.
5 ways to tackle exam stress
1. Concentrate on key topics
Focus on the key chapters and topics that carry the most weight in the syllabus. Dedicate your time to reviewing these concepts, giving extra attention to areas that need improvement. Instead of cramming, prioritise revisiting frequently asked questions and essential ideas for better understanding and retention.
2. Break the study sessions
Divide your day into study sessions, each dedicated to a different topic. Balance your time between reinforcing familiar concepts and learning new ones. To prevent burnout, take short breaks—study for 25 to 30 minutes using techniques like the Pomodoro method, then rest for 5 minutes. After completing four sessions, take a longer break to recharge.
3. Practice previous years' question papers
Practice past exam papers to get familiar with the format and question patterns. Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself, which helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
4. Revision
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid starting new topics at this stage. Instead, focus on revising what you’ve already learned. Create concise summaries, notes, or flashcards for key formulas, definitions, and concepts. These will serve as effective revision tools in the days leading up to the exam.
5. Sleep and eat well
It is not advisable to stay up late at night and study. Ensure you get 6-7 hours of sleep as it is essential for concentration and memory recall. Also, include fruits, vegetables, and nuts to enhance brain function. Avoid caffeine and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Lists of foods for students to reduce stress
Proper nutrition is essential, as it plays a vital role in maintaining focus, reducing anxiety and improving brain function. Author and wellness expert Rujuta Diwekar stressed on the value of including specific foods into students diets to help them relax.
1. Peanuts: Peanuts help in lowering stress levels naturally, whereas energy drinks can increase stress levels rapidly.
2. Bananas: Eating bananas, that are rich in fiber and prebiotics, helps in maintaining overall wellness.
3. Rice: Rice consumed in any form, whether with fried vegetables or as fried rice, provides essential nutrients to keep the body energised and the mind calm.