Navi Mumbai: Drive away negative thoughts before examinations

Ashwani will appear for her board examinations int the next couple of months. She is aware that she should devote more time to studies, as she has the entire syllabus to revise, but she finds it almost impossible to concentrate. She has been an above-average student, always in the good books of her teachers, yet she is unable to prepare for examinations properly.

There are many students like Ashwani who have been facing similar problems. On many occasions, children get their parents’ support while sometime they have to rely on themselves.

“Fighting negative thoughts before an examination is not new among students and proper counselling can mitigate the problem,” says Salma Prabhu, a city-based counsellor.

Students should always try to rid their minds of negative thoughts and relax. “They can listen to music and play some games,” adds Prabhu.

Kalpana Dwivedi, principal of St Joseph School, Panvel, says they have a school counsellor who meets students every week and sorts out their problems. “Students think counselling is not important, but it does have an impact on them,” says Dwivedi.

Counsellors suggest that students should not study anything new for the exam as they have already completed the syllabus. “They just need to revise, which can be done in a month. So, they do not need to worry,” says Prabhu.

It is seen that many students are worried about their future, which depends on the marks they get in the board exam. “Students must live in the present and not bother about their course of action as it may bring negative thoughts, which is not good for them,” adds Prabhu.

Urmi Thakkar, another counsellor suggests that auto suggestion can help students avoid negative thoughts. “Students must keep telling themselves they can do it,” says Thakkar.

“Parents want to fulfil their own (unfulfilled) desires through their children. In doing so, they overlook the individuality and aptitude of their wards. Many parents have unrealistic expectations from their children, which puts them under undue pressure,” observes Thakkar. She adds that this can add to the tension that students already have during exams.

Thakkar suggests that students should concentrate on writing, as part of revision of their syllabus.

“They have to write in the examination. So, a writing practice will help them in the final exams,” adds Thakkar.