70% students don't sleep enough during exams. Follow these tips
Exams have been getting more stressful for students, so much so that over 70% don't even get the required amount of sleep, a multi-city Fortis survey has found. 73% of the 6,500 students surveyed spent less than an hour a day with family and friends, and 68% spent less than that outdoors. But there're ways to keep this period healthy and stress-free.
No time to go outdoors but hours spent online
According to the survey conducted across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and several other cities, 18% sleep only up to five hours in the last weeks. 85% said they didn't have even 30 minutes for physical activities. Only 1% said they spent more than three hours with family and friends. Preferences have also changed: 11% spend five-seven hours of their free time online.
These tips can help manage studies and revisions better
Healthy food, good sleep and relaxation are important during exams, experts say. For studies, prepare a timetable and stick to it. Don't read many new topics in one day. Take 10-minute breaks after every 40-45 minutes. For best retention, highlight important words. Use mnemonics. Group similar concepts together. For best recall, revise on the first, second, seventh, 15th and 30th day of the month.
Parents often unintentionally add to their children's stress
Parents might unknowingly add to the stress experienced by children. 74% respondents said their parents' expectations add to the pressure. Parents need to be supportive too. Instead of ordering children to study, they should adopt friendlier approaches and give them space to share their concerns and fears. Comparing children with others doesn't help either and instead discourages them, Dr Parikh says.
You can call on Fortis helpline for exam-related help
Fortis has a helpline that exclusively caters to exam-related issues. Parents or children can call on +918376804102 between 9am to 5pm. Dr Samir Parikh, who runs the helpline, says they receive about 400 calls daily during the weeks leading up to exams.
