Many students feel a lot of pressure during pre-boards. Marks matter, and the fear of making mistakes often grows. This makes mental health during exam season a real concern. You may notice stress, trouble focusing, or poor sleep. These are common signs of exam stress. And if you don’t handle them early, they build up.
This guide gives simple ways to reduce exam anxiety, improve your student mental well-being, and stay steady during pre-boards.
Exam stress management begins with noticing what you’re feeling. Stress becomes worse when you ignore it. According to WHO, high stress affects sleep and attention, which then affects academic performance. That’s why taking care of mental health during exam season is not optional anymore.
You can try some of the following tried and tested ways that can help you reduce exam stress and anxiety:
Even small changes help academic stress relief. In fact, once you get into a routine, exam anxiety tips start working better.
A simple routine supports your mental health during exam season. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques.
Healthy revision habits also fit into this routine. When your mind is steady, coping with pre-board stress becomes easier.
Relaxation does not mean doing nothing. It means giving your mind space to slow down.
These activities support emotional wellbeing and keep mental health during exam season stable.
Sleep problems are common. Many students revise late at night, which breaks the natural sleep cycle. Good sleep helps your memory and reduces anxiety.
Here’s what you can do:
Good sleep builds your coping mechanisms for academic burnout. It also improves concentration the next morning.
Sometimes pressure comes from home. Parents want the best for you, but their expectations may feel high. Talk to them honestly. Explain the parts you find hard. Show them your study plan so they know you are trying.
You can also ask for help when needed like quiet time, fewer chores during the week, or someone to check your notes. Seeking support does not make you weak. It protects your mental health during exam season.
Burnout shows up when you study for long hours without rest. You feel tired even after sleeping. You lose interest in subjects you usually enjoy. To handle burnout:
If burnout continues, talk to a teacher or a counselor. Many students do this, and it helps.
Mindfulness keeps your mind calm when exams feel too much. Try this before a test:
It helps silence negative thoughts and keeps mental health during exam season balanced.
As children grow, parents develop a tendency to compare their children with others. They have the best intention at heart for their children as they want them to be the best and excel in everything they do. This often comes at the cost of their children’s health. Being constantly pushed, forced and even being scolded to perform well leads them to alienate themselves from others. This becomes damaging for their mental health. Parents need to watch out for them. Instead of pushing them so hard, give them space to breathe. Tell them to take breaks instead of sitting and studying for long stretches of time. Talk to them. More so if they seem to be struggling. Many don’t have the habit of sharing as they feel that they will get scolded or they will not be understood. Speak with them kindly, praise them for their efforts. Even if you don’t understand their struggles, be patient and listen without judgement or advice. Sometimes all they need is somebody to hear them out.
Another thing to keep in mind is to maintain peace and quiet when they study. This is the time for them to study and practice. Constant disturbance or noise distracts them and affects their studies. Give them proper, home cooked healthy meals.
Pre-boards feel tough, but you can manage them. With steady routines, healthy revision habits, simple relaxation techniques, and honest conversations, you protect your mental health during exam season. You study better, sleep better, and feel more confident walking into the exam hall. And if things feel too heavy, remember it’s fine to ask for support. You don’t have to deal with exam stress alone.
