As the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations approach in February 2027, students are encouraged to prioritize their mental health alongside their academic preparation. Academic pressure and long study hours often lead to anxiety and exhaustion, making it vital to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Essential tips for managing stress include creating realistic study timetables, taking regular breaks using the Pomodoro technique, and ensuring adequate sleep of 8 to 10 hours daily. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and seeking professional support when anxiety becomes overwhelming can greatly enhance focus, memory, and overall performance

As the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations approach in February 2027, students are encouraged to prioritize their mental health alongside their academic preparation. Academic pressure and long study hours often lead to anxiety and exhaustion, making it vital to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Essential tips for managing stress include creating realistic study timetables, taking regular breaks using the Pomodoro technique, and ensuring adequate sleep of 8 to 10 hours daily. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and seeking professional support when anxiety becomes overwhelming can greatly enhance focus, memory, and overall performance

As the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations approach in February 2027, students are encouraged to prioritize their mental health alongside their academic preparation. Academic pressure and long study hours often lead to anxiety and exhaustion, making it vital to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Essential tips for managing stress include creating realistic study timetables, taking regular breaks using the Pomodoro technique, and ensuring adequate sleep of 8 to 10 hours daily. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and seeking professional support when anxiety becomes overwhelming can greatly enhance focus, memory, and overall performance

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 and 12 board examinations will begin on February 16, 2027. The Class 10 exams will conclude on March 9, while those for Class 12 will end on April 9.

As examinations approach, students often find themselves dealing with academic pressure, long study hours, anxiety and the fear of not performing well. While it is important to prepare for exams, taking care of mental health is equally essential. Stress, lack of sleep and unhealthy study habits can affect students' concentration, memory and overall performance.

Here are some simple mental health tips students can follow to manage exam stress and stay focused.

Create a realistic study schedule

Students often complain that there is too much to study and too little time. Creating a realistic timetable can help reduce this pressure. Divide subjects into smaller topics and set achievable daily goals.

Take regular breaks

Studying for hours without a break can lead to mental exhaustion and eventually affect concentration levels. Techniques like the Pomodoro method, where you study for 25-30 minutes and take a short break can break the monotony. Students can use this time to stretch, walk around or simply relax.

Get enough sleep

Sleep plays an important role in memory, learning and emotional well-being. Staying up all night may do more harm than good. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep and a consistent sleep routine to improve focus.

Eat healthy and stay hydrated

A balanced diet can support both physical and mental health. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and protein-rich foods in your daily meals. Drink enough water throughout the day. Avoid excessive caffeine, energy drinks and sugary snacks.

Include physical activity in your routine

Exercise is a natural way to manage stress. Even 20-30 minutes of walking, cycling, yoga or stretching can improve mood and help students feel refreshed.

Seek help when stress becomes overwhelming

Feeling nervous before exams is normal. However, if anxiety, sadness, sleep problems or constant worry begin interfering with daily life, speak to a trusted adult, school counsellor or mental health professional.