Board Exams 2018: 7 Healthy Study Tips & Techniques For A Good Score

It's that time of the year again! The exam time! The CBSE and ICSE exams for class 10 and 12 will begin on March 9, 2017. The exam dates were delayed this year due to elections in five states, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. With less than a few days to go for the exams, the pressure on all the board aspirants is topping all records.

We bring you 10 quick health tips to beat the stress and make the most of these last hours.

1) Eat Right

This has to be the most important one. With the pressure mounting each day, as your exam day nears, the biggest blunder you might be committing is neglecting food. Regular intake of food is not only essential for healthy mind and body balance, but a good diet can also help you strengthen your concentration power. Avoid junk food, it tends to slow you down, apart from inducing several other health consequences. Eat plenty of green vegetables and dry fruits. Fish, sprouted grains, fresh fruits also help in releasing tension and focus better.

Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Dietics, Max Hospital asks the children to refrain from junk food, she also suggests giving heavier meals during the day and a light supper. 'Eating a heavy dinner will be difficult on your child's digestive system. You want to give your child enough fuel for the entire day, hence give energy dense food items in short intervals throughout the day,' noted Dr. Samaddar.

The Doctor further suggested opting for carbs that are derived from fresh fruits and vegetables and cereals - these are helpful to the brain. Omega 3 fatty acids - found in most nuts and seeds like almonds - are also very good for the brain, and a handful of it should be consumed on a daily basis.

_{Eating right during examinations is extremely important.}2) Meditate

Meditation not only increases your concentration, but also combats the pre-exam jitters which often undo all your hard work and preparation. Keep your face upward, your palms open, kept on the lap facing upwards. Breathe gently. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes a day, ideally early morning. If done daily, you would also witness a considerable hike in your memory retention.

(How to Do Meditation: A Beginner's Guide)

_{Meditation increases concentration and soothes pre-exam jitters.}
3) De-clutter and Arrange Your Study

A cluttered study space, can never result in a clear inflow of thought. We understand, how at this point you are going through every book and cluster of notes for the best possible preparation, but sparing 10 minutes to clear and organise your table would only help in better information retention. Also check all your notes are in order, and that you have all the handouts in place before you start off with your preparations.How to Improve Your Concentration: 9 Smart Tips

_{Organizing your study and notes can help during exams.}4) Take Breaks

This might sound blasphemous at this crucial juncture, when you are possibly cramming answers even in your sleep. But this is crucial. Your brain anyway is going to reach a saturation point in about two to three hours of constant study. To ensure your brain is able to absorb and process new information, you need to give yourself breaks regularly.

_{Prevent your brain from reaching saturation during exams by taking leisure breaks.}5) Get Adequate Sleep

Your brain is not a machine. Period. For that matter, even machines need some time to unwind and refuel themselves for better functioning. Sleep deprivation can bring in several health repercussions, especially when coupled with stress. Your brain needs time to assimilate the information you have gathered during the day and a good slumber of 8 hours ensures that it happens smoothly.(Do You Get Good Sleep Every Night? Find Out Here)

_{Getting adequate sleep is the best way to de-stress during exams.}6) Drink Plenty of Water and Fluids

Keeping yourself hydrated is most essential in these times of stress to ensure your energy rates from dipping. Keep drinking water throughout your revision.

While Coffee might seem to be a tempting way to keep your brain alert, it also comes with a host of dehydrating properties. You can opt for tea or green tea and energy drinks for better alternative. Fluids aid mental alertness, concentration and preventing headaches, so make sure your diet is full of food that is high on water content . Coconut water, lassi, buttermilk, chaas, juices and soups are other fluids you can incorporate in your diet.

_{Stay hydrated during your board exams.}7) Practice Yoga or Some Other Form of Exercise

20 minutes of Yoga can prove to be a great stress buster. Dr. Rupali Datta, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis-Escorts Hospital shares, 'Catch up on 40 winks regularly. Another way to rest your brain is to exercise. Take short 20 minute breaks during the day and do some light exercise, my favorite was putting on music and dancing my heart out. It refreshes you and puts you in an upbeat mood.'

A short walk in the evenings is another way to break between study sessions. Your brain gets a break, your eyes get some rest and your lungs get fresh air!

_{Yoga is the healthy way to unwind during exams.}Remember, while these exams are a significant and you must strive hard to score well, they don't determine the success or failure life has in store for you. And to make most of this life's journey you have to stay healthy forever. So eat well, study well, score well. All the best!