VIDEO STORY: Dr.samir Parikh’s tips for kids and parents this exam season

It is that time of the year again when students toil hard preparing for board exams. But, over the years, we have all made a monster out of examinations. Be it the parents, students or teachers, we all have hyped up exams, as if one particular question or mark can make or break our life. We all have been through the cycle and know this is not at all true.
As students gear up to prep for the scary Boards, Dr Samir Parikh, renowned psychologist and mental health expert shares some tips for students and parents this exam season.
Dr Parikh feels that students, during this time are bombarded with a lot of information, advice but frankly, can do without a lot of these opinions. Asking teenagers to laugh and learn along the way, he also shared some real exercises to emerge a winner during this exam season:
-The best way to learn is when you have fun. So this way, you are bound to get success.
-Take exams as a learning opportunity which can help you perform better the next day.
-Remember, you have been taking exams before and you would continue taking later.
-10th, 12th exams are not everything. You will have college, office, interviews, appraisals and what not.
-Everything we do is a test so do not make your boards the biggest exam.
How to be efficient while studying?
-Declutter the place you study. The table and chair should be organized.
-One book or notebook you are studying from should be enough.
-Do away with any phone/laptop or TV, distraction while studying.
-Always use a table and chair.
-The bed is for sleep, table is for studying.
Dr Parikh also suggests students to start doing attention improving exercise. It can be simply done with the help of a paper and pen. For example, pick up a paper and circle out all those 'e's . It will help you focus better. Another activity you can try out is to concentrate on a different activity. Try to listen to instrumental music 10 minutes a day and focus on a single rhythm. Playing racquet sports is another way of boosting concentration.
Stop and take breaks
Exams are the time you need to crunch and jot down details. However, studying for long hours is not going to help. Instead, try and study at a stretch- 40-45 minutes. Once you do so, take a break and do it again. In these short breaks, make sure you come out of the room. Do anything which makes you happy. Note making helps, it should be your own, mnemonics help. Remember, no distractions. Talk to a friend, family, hydrate yourself but no screen.
What is a good revision plan?
Just as important as studying is revising properly. A good hack, according to Dr. Parikh is remembering these numbers:
1..2..5..7..15...30
Whatever you study today, revise it tomorrow, and so forth. Doing this, your memory banks will store information well, you will revise better. Self-tests help you stay on track. You can also use a reward chart and track your progress accordingly.
Apart from this, it is also important you have a healthy lifestyle in place. Remember to eat well, hydrate well and sleep on time. Undersleeping is the worst thing you could do to your body.
What to do after the exams?
An important thing to remember is once the exams are over, you need to give your mind a break. Attempt the paper confidently. Remember, exams are not a race and you don't need to finish before others. Do not compare- the number of sheets or the time. Once the exam is over, no postmortem.
Remember, no matter what age, you will keep getting tested. What matters is, taking on the path of success.