Stressed about exams? Try out these innovative ways to combat stress

Posted on 24 Nov 2016 By Ishani Bose

Exams are around the corner, and most of you may be exploring various options to keep stress at bay by indulging in regular exercise, pursuing a hobby, or even going to a movie marathon. However, have you heard of stress-busting techniques such as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), music and dance therapy, relaxation meditation, and access consciousness? Recently, we at PaGaLGuY attended an ACT workshop conducted by Professor Frank W Bond, psychologist and Director of the Institute of Management Studies Goldsmiths University of London, at Thadomal Shahani Centre for Management. This led us to explore more ‘not so run-of-the-mill’ ways to destress before the exams. Read on to find out more.

ACT Therapy

Evolved within a logical, theoretical, and philosophical structure, ACT is an experiential, psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, along with commitment and behavioral change techniques, to develop increased psychological flexibility. According to Bond, more psychologically flexible people can fully live in the present moment. “Exams usually make students nervous, which could eventually affect their performance. Before the exam, I urge students to focus on breathing for at least five minutes. Just let go of the thoughts related to your future and career and concentrate on your breathing. That will help improve your focus and concentration,” said Bond.

Access Consciousness Therapy

 According to Life Coach Trainer Natasha Advani, access consciousness is a step-by-step process to facilitate being more conscious in everyday life and eliminate all the barriers that hinder a person from realising his/her potential. “Not only does this help combat stress, but it also helps students unlock their creativity, find clarity, become calm and more physically and mentally sound, overcome emotional meltdowns, win over depression, etc,” she said. 

Music, dance, and other do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques

 Advani also conducts music and dance therapy sessions for students. “Music has the power to calm one down. I usually tell students to imagine themselves ten years into the future, and that helps them develop a positive attitude towards life,” she said, further adding that parents should let their children pursue hobbies like dance or sports before or during their exams, as contrary to popular belief, it helps them release the negative energy within. She also suggested some DIY techniques to students that could help them conquer their fear of exams. “Students can pen down their fears and negative thoughts onto paper sheets and then burn or tear them into small pieces. This aids in letting out their suppressed negativity, which often becomes a hindrance in their mind and affects productivity,” she said.