My Science School

My examinations begin in April. I have been performing well so far, but I fall just a little short of 90%. Our teachers expect more than from me. How can I get above 90% in my finals?

Appreciate your performance and your interest to do better. It is good to fix a goal for yourself and work towards it. Motivation to do better is good but it should not lead to pressure due to expectations from others. Care should be taken to manage stress. Here are a few tips to perform better:

• Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals for every day and week.


• Stay healthy: A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep of at least six hours are very important for mental strength, good memory and high energy levels.


• Stay calm: Panicking and getting anxious will not help you. Stay focused. Take deep breaths and also keep yourself hydrated.


• Believe in yourself: Self-confidence is very important when you face and challenge. Replace negative thoughts or fears with more positive ones. Hardwork, self-confidence and perseverance will help you move towards your goal. Remember that you do not have control over your results but you certainly have control over your efforts.

 

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I am in Class XII. I have been drawn to my childhood friend for five years now. But I have not the courage to let her know how I feel about her. I thought she was interested in me too. But, recently I came to know from her that she has a boyfriend. She wants to be my friend and not girlfriend. I’m depressed now. I can’t focus on anything. Please help me.

Getting attracted to others is natural. It can hurt when a relationship does not turn out to be what we want it to be. At this stage, it is very important to first give yourself time to accept the situation. Find ways to keep yourself occupied and distracted with positive things. Life is a roller-coaster of events and people. You have the choice of being her friend. Give yourself time to think about this before you decide. Work towards your long-term goals.

 

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I’m in Class X, and soon my student life is going to change. But I seem to know nothing about myself – my ambitions, hobbies, interests, likes, dislikes etc. I don’t know what do in life. I’m a robotics camper, but can’t decide if I should continue with it and if it will affect or improve my future. My parents are very supportive of my decisions. I’m confused. Can you help me?

You must be applauded for your skills as a robotics camper. When you move on after Class X, sometimes you may not be clear on your future plans and career. Before you decide on anything, it is necessary to identify your interests and skills. You can excel in any field as long as you are clear about your interests and ambitions, and if it suits your personality, passion, skills, aptitude, values and financial background. You must be thankful for having supportive parents.

Meet a career counsellor who will help you identify in a scientific manner the fields that suit you. It is good to think before you decide rather than regret the decision later. Explore, analyze, think and decide.

 

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I’m a school student who loves to help people. But no one helps me when I need it. I get a bit depressed because of this. What should I do?

Being altruistic is healthy and it is good to continue helping others. Of course, you must take care to not get exploited because of this. Be aware of the situations when you help others. You definitely gain happiness and satisfaction when you help others. But it is also necessary to understand that we must not help others simply because we expect the same from them. When we have expectations, there are chances for disappointments too. Being assertive is necessary to reduce disappointments. It is okay to ask for help rather than expecting others to understand our situation and act accordingly. It is human to get disappointed, but we can find ways to avoid it as well. Looking at things from a different perspective will help you tackle such situations better. Life is a learning process and we have the freedom to live in a healthy manner.

 

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I am a Class X student. I do well in studies, but I’m worried about my Class XI admissions. My school keeps stressing that non-performers will not get admission to Class XI even if they are from the same school. I feel anxious about this. It is disturbing my peace and concentration.

Every school has its own rules for admissions. It is wise to not get worried about the outcome now. You will feel better when you have put in the your best effort. You might not have control over the consequences but definitely you have control over the your plans and preparations. You can analyse your admissions after your examinations. This way, you will not feel guilty later for not preparing well.

 

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I’m very anxious about how much I will score in Class XII. I have been studying really hard, but my future depends on my marks. My parents and those close to my family make me feel nervous about the results.

Anxiety about your results should not affect your performance. Relax. Of course, marks are important but now you must focus only on your performance. Understand the fact that you can put in hard work to get good results, but you cannot predict your results. Parents’ anxiety is understandable but they should not make their children nervous. Handling their own anxiety is essential. You could discuss your anxiety with them. Regular breathing exercises, some physical activity, nutritious food and a relaxed mind are essential now. Do your duty and plan your future. Marks are not the end of your life. You have a number of courses now and you can plan your path after your results.

 

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I am a Class X student. I’m just completing my Boards after a year of hard work and very little sleep. My parents are already setting up tuitions and teachers to teach me ahead of others for Class XII. It is driving me mad. They tell me my future depends on this. Though I understand things from their point of view, I know I need a break. How can I convince them?

I understand that you have worked hard and need a break before you get into your preparations for your next class. Have you decided which group you will take up in Class XI and what your goal is? Your parents are anxious about your future. Of course, you need to plan your future but you also need a break before you start preparing for Class XI and XII. Are your parents concerned that you should not get distracted? Talk to your parents and give them the confidence that you will start your preparation after recharging yourself. They should not get carried away by looking at other families. A good family holiday may help all of you relax and get back to work. The mind needs relaxation to work peacefully.

 

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With my annual examinations approaching, I tend to wake up in the middle of the night with a lot of anxiety. Please help.

Anxiety is very common among students during this time. You should know to manage your anxiety. Here are a few tips for it:

• Prepare ahead by working on sections of the content each day.


• Plan your schedule to both study and revise.


• Use model examination papers as an opportunity to manage anxiety.


• Identify your anxiety early by noticing your physical responses.


• Try replacing unhelpful thoughts with more encouraging self-talk by challenging negative thoughts. Think positive.


• Practice focusing your attention on the task at hand (mindfulness), rather than getting tangled in your anxiety and thinking of the “what if?”


• Remember to pay attention to your sleep, nutrition, exercise and relaxation routine. Go out for a walk to refresh yourself.


• Avoid distractions of any kind. Reduce screen time and the use of gadgets.


• Don’t pay attention to what other people are doing before and during examinations. Pay attention to your own pace, and forget about the other students in the hall.


• Focus on calm breathing and positivity. Deep breathing can slow down a beating heart or a racing mind, so practice breathing techniques. The very act of concentrating on breathing and thinking can alter those anxious feelings. Good luck!

 

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I am in Class VII. I hail from a northern State, now study in a southern State, and I’m unable to understand my friends. They constantly contact and disturb me via social media. Also, every day I leave home by bus at 6:45 a.m. and come back at 6:45 p.m. I want to secure the first rank in class. How can I manage to do it with all these?

Cultures and values differ when you come from a different place, and it takes time to understand others. Give yourself time. Show interest in their activities, but be clear on your values and boundaries. Never cross your limits or be exploited to make friends. A healthy friendship is very important. Being a good listener can help you understand them better. Choose friends who value your interests. As for your studies, your day is hectic and so it is essential to use your time efficiently. Do not compromise on your sleep, food and extra-curricular activities. Make use of travel time to complete everyday lessons. Set aside time to finish your writing since you cannot do it during travel. Also, try to make friends during your travel if you are commuting by your school bus. Spend quality time at home with your family too. You are very young and it is not good to get influenced by social media. Do not be harsh with your friends when they disturb you, express your opinion in a gentle manner.

 

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I am in Class IX. I’m attracted to the daughter of a teacher in our school. But her father is very aggressive and strict, and I don’t know how to express my feelings towards her. I am also afraid of her response. I am not able to deal with this, and my friends are making fun of me. How can I overcome this feeling?

Such feelings are very natural at this age. It is not easy to express your feelings and emotions. It is a stage of transition and also of doubts and confusion. The best way to overcome it is by staying calm. You have a lot of things to achieve in life and it is not good for you to lose focus at this age. You feel that the girl’s father is very aggressive and that he will not be able to understand your feelings. So, weigh in the consequences before you act. Don’t forget about your future. The relationship with your teacher and your behaviour as a student are also very important. Don’t be haste in judging your feelings. She can always be a good friend who can support you. Time will offer the best solution.

 

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I am in Class X. I am passionate about Beatboxing. I recently performed on stage at school. Many of my friends congratulated me, but some of my classmates teased me by asking if I were spitting on the mike because I did a sound routine called BMG snare. I understand they didn’t mean it, but sometimes it hurts me. How should I handle this?

Congratulations on your skill. Everybody has a unique skill and it is good to improve it. It does hurt when you talent is not recognized, but sometimes, not everyone would understand one’s unique talent. It is natural to get upset and feel bad when you are teased, but do not worry about it; you must try to become resilient. Do not give up. Obstacles can be overcome as long as you have the perseverance to achieve something in life. Do not get dejected by negative comments and criticisms. Stay motivated and appreciate yourself for your talent. Look at those who support you. Stay calm and confident and continue your journey. Your talent will be well recognized by those who understand your value.

 

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I’m in Class IX. I like to read, but I don’t seem to find the time. And everybody asks me to wake up early in the morning for it, but I can’t do it. How can I manage time?

It’s a good habit to read, and the choice of books is very important. Age-appropriateness of the books must also be kept in mind. As you go to higher classes, your academic requirements will increase, and you must learn to manage your time effectively. Proper time management always helps. Be clear on your goals. Make a plan. Avoid procrastination. Quality time spent on studies will help you focus better on your hobbies as well. Prioritize your work and schedule if for the day and the week. Remember, you are your best judge – allot the right amount of time for every activity and make changes depending on your needs.

 

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I’m a Class X student of a CBSE school. The problem is I have poor memory. Whatever I study, I can’t remember it for a long time. Worse, I cannot remember long answers in the right sequence. What can I do? Please help me, I am very anxious about Boards.

It must be really very upsetting when you forget what you have learnt. This will create a lot of anxiety. A lot depends on your study pattern. It is not the number of hours you spend studying but the quality of your study time that matters. A schedule for studying always helps. Last-minute preparation will create anxiety and and you might not be able to remember or recollect the content. Long hours of study is also not good. Taking a break after every 30 to 45 min is recommended. A proper place of study without distractions is also important. Reduce screen time and the use of gadgets. Go for a walk to refresh yourself when you are studying. In order to remember long answer, make notes and use mindmaps to remember the content. You can make mindmaps with colours, doodling etc. To easily recollect content. Chunking is also helpful – this is a method of learning and recollecting in parts. Do not learn the long answers in one shot. Break them up into smaller segments. This will reduce your anxiety and you can remember answer better. Practise well by doing model examination papers to build your confidence. A calm mind is necessary to study and perform well. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and yoga are recommended for better body-mind coordination.

 

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I’m in Class XII and I’m a below-average student. Since I managed to get around 70% in Class X Boards, my parents wanted me to continue in the same CBSE School. But I’m struggling a lot now and I’m unable to cope with pressure. We’re a middle-class family, and my parents are spending a lot on school fees and tuitions. I’m feeling guilty about my performance; in fact, only after assurances from my parents did the school promote me to Class XII, with severe warning at that. I don’t have the courage to tell my parents that I can’t score well, it’s too late now. I’m so stressed. Please help me.

I appreciate your concern for your parents and also your genuineness. It is not healthy to get worried and stressed out. Too much of stress will affect your performance. Your parents are ready to spend money on your education but it is important for them to understand your capacity and interests. Aspirations should match our ability. Everyone need not excel only in academics. Every individual has some unique talent. Explore your talents more productively. Getting stressed will not help you in anyway. You are in Class XII. Focus on your performance. Plan your study and perform to the best of your ability. Be open to your parents. Help them understand your limitations and ask them not to set high expectations. But you should not give up. Hard work and perseverance will certainly help you. Good luck for your future.

 

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I’m in Class VII. I prepare for my examinations at the last-minute or just a day before. Sometimes I also take up extra-curricular activities late in the night. My parents scold me when I do this, especially because I often end up going to school late. Is studying late in the night good or bad? Also, will extra-curricular activities affect my academics during examinations?

Preparation for examinations or any other activity at last-minute causes a lot of physical and mental stress. It is desirable to plan your activity ahead to avoid such situations. Also every student has a study time that works well for them. What is very important is to not compromise on your sleep and activities. Do not procrastinate activities that will affect your performance. Extra-curricular activities are good for you because they help you relax and also acquire new skills. So, do plan your activities to stay focused, especially during examinations. We all learn from our mistakes and it is good to learn healthy practices.

 

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