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Why Relaxation is Important for Students to Excel in Exams

Team StoryWeavers|May 24, 2022, 08:50 IST| 12

how relaxation helps students

It is late in the noon and you’ve just returned after finishing an exam. You are famished, weary and in need of sleep. In addition to this, you find yourself worrying about the next paper — what you need to study, which chapters to revise, which diagrams to practise and you end up feeling overwhelmed. If you relate to this, then you need to pause and relax.

It is common to feel pressured during the exam season. While the pressure may help some students stay focused, it becomes a source of stress for many. Worrying over the results of your previous paper will only affect your well-being — which in turn may affect your potential to perform well in the next exam. Therefore, remember to find your balance and make time to take a break to boost your productivity. 

How to Relax Before an Exam?

1. Hit the Snooze Button

importance of relaxation during exams

You may have heard this a thousand times — a good night’s sleep can do miracles to your mind and body, especially during exams. An uninterrupted sleep of at least six to eight hours can help you focus, revise, memorise and understand concepts much better. 

Studies show that students who sleep better enjoy improved grades, mood and health. You are more likely to feel frustrated and exhausted when you don’t get your daily quota of sleep. A good night’s sleep can heal your physical and mental fatigue. So, the next time you decide to sacrifice your sleep for studying a night before your finals, think twice — for it may do more harm than good.

How to Sleep Better During Exams

  • Follow a regular sleep schedule — make sure you wake up and go to bed at the same time, every day.
  • Keep your phone away — make sure you stop using your phone at least 30-40 minutes before going to bed.
  • Nap, but not too much — napping for even 6 minutes can improve your memory. But make sure you limit your naps to 30 minutes per day.
  • Avoid caffeine before bed — resist the urge to sip a cup of coffee, tea or any caffeinated beverage at least 6 hours before bed. Choose healthier alternatives to keep up your energy levels.

2. Get Moving 

importance of relaxation during exams

Image from Freepik

Did you give up your morning walk or yoga session because you need more time to study? Well, think again!

Several studies have shown that an exercise routine can help you prepare better for your next paper. When you exercise, your brain releases hormones like serotonin, dopamine and nor-epinephrine that boost your mood and improve your cognitive function — helping you focus longer. Find an activity that you love and get your friend, sibling or cousin to tag along and keep you motivated. 

How to exercise regularly during exams 

  • Choose wisely — pick a workout activity that helps you relax and recharge. It could be a 10-minute walk or even a couple of minutes of breathing exercises.  
  • Follow a regular schedule — while some like to start their day with a good workout, others may want to break monotony later in the day with perhaps a long walk. Choose what works best for you.
  • On the day of the exam — the goal is to relax and stay focused. Go on a short walk or try breathing exercises to feel less anxious and nervous.

3. Eat Right

importance of relaxation during exams

Image from Freepik

The benefits of eating healthy during exams (and even otherwise) are well known. If you want to sustain the long exam hours, you must nourish your body with the right food that energises you and improves your alertness. Therefore, consume more fruits and vegetables, specifically those rich in Vitamin C — like kiwi, guava, oranges, etc. to feel calmer before exams. 

Do you often crave munching something excessively salty or sweet — like potato chips or chocolate bars? You may think they make you feel better but in reality, they only add to the stress, making you feel sluggish and jittery.

Instead, snack better during exams with healthier alternatives like:

  • Protein bars
  • Popcorn
  • Yoghurt
  • Fresh fruits
  • Raw veggies
  • Nuts

In addition to this, make sure you fulfil your daily essential water intake of 1.5 litres. If you find plain water boring, try adding fresh-cut fruits or veggies such as mint, lemon or cucumber to flavour up your water!

4. Sing Your Heart Out 

importance of relaxation during exams

Image from Freepik

We all know the joy that singing along to our favourite song brings — it is a scientifically backed fact! Research suggests that singing can lift your mood and help you relax, as the act releases endorphins — a happy hormone that is known to relieve stress. So, queue your favourite artist’s playlist and sing!

5. Refresh Your Thoughts 

importance of relaxation during exams

Image from Freepik

One of the best ways to improve your learning is to reboot your mind. Take a moment to pause and feel relaxed and rejuvenated. During exams, you are constantly processing information and trying to understand new concepts which in turn can make you stressed and confused. Therefore, it helps to slow down a little — step out into your balcony or go on a walk and let your mind wander for a while. You could even sit still and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes to feel calm. Remember to nurture positive thoughts and remain confident about potential. You need to learn how to overcome exam fear as this helps with relaxing better.

How do you relax during exams? Tell us in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are exams so stressful for students?

Answer:

The fear of failure in examinations, peer pressure and more are some of the reasons why students feel so stressed during exams. An attempt to embrace the process of exams helps cope with negative stress.

2. How can regular relaxation improve learning?

Answer:

Regular relaxation improves learner concentration, due to elimination of stress. After relaxing, you will be more attentive and productive, leading to improved learning.

3. Do students need more time to relax before an exam?

Answer:

A student needs to relax enough to not feel stressed. If you are constantly being strict to yourself or lashing at others, it’s time you relax.

4. How does stress affect your performance in exams?

Answer:

Stress affects student performance in examinations in various ways such as distorting working memory, slow retrieval of information from your memory or rash decisions too. If you feel stressed, step back, take a minute and gain control of your stress.

5. How can you relax before an exam?

Answer:

Explore simple activities to relax such as pretending to be a feather floating through the air for about ten seconds. Sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours before an exam helps relax before the exam.

About the Author


As an introverted teen who loved reading crime-thriller novels, Ashritha knew she was destined to be a writer. Like Dumbledore, Ashritha is a strong believer in the magic of words. She finds joy in the little things — a long walk at dawn, sipping a cup of filter coffee watching the sunset, or rewatching old rom-com movies that make her heart smile.

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Comments



Sukanya

April 12, 2022

Thank you


Sheba cherian

April 3, 2022

Thank you for this very much useful message!


V.krishna priya

March 27, 2022

Super


Twinkle Behera

March 26, 2022

Very much useful message, which will be helpful for study


FREYA JOSHY

March 25, 2022

Thanks a lot.
It’s very useful.


Sanjay Kumar Reddy

March 25, 2022

Nice message


Yash Bilwal

March 25, 2022

I love to listen my favourite song


Muskan Kumari

March 25, 2022

Thanks for suggesting all teachers


Kavya Khatri

March 24, 2022

Surely work on it.


Prachi Ghosh

March 24, 2022

Before exam time it’s a helpful suggestion for every student. As most of us are really being frustrated, anxious and confused in this exam pressure. Thank you so much for this suggestion


Pooja jain

March 24, 2022

Thank you for this….. Relaxation ❤️❤️❤️❤️ theory. For better understanding ???


Mallikarjun.I.G

March 24, 2022

Nice massage


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