CONNECTOR.AE 28 CONNECTOR.AE 29 Kids And Education Kids And Education Emphasising this, Nicola Upham, Vice Principal of Student Development at Bloom World Academy, adds, “Teaching students self-care techniques and the importance of physical activity to boost mood, reduce stress, and increase energy levels, is a must at schools. By talking openly about our feelings and emotions, teachers and students alike, we create a climate where we reach out to each other for emotional support, which prevents feelings of overwhelm, and we can then revisit goals and values to prioritise activities to make sure they are aligned.” “It is crucial for kids to prioritise food and sleep. Our bodies and brains can’t function without the right food and sufficient sleep. Sacrificing sleep to study is counterintuitive as our brains can’t retain information as effectively when they are deprived from sleep. Same goes for proper nutrition, eating balanced meals allows our brains to operate at full capacity, something we can’t afford to neglect during exam season,” adds, Eloise Briey, Senior Marketing Executive, Swiss International School. Start With Meditation And Breathing Exercises Many believe meditation and breathing exercises are just for adults, but starting in childhood is beneficial. It helps gain perspective, calms the mind, and manages stress.Meditationclears thoughts, promoting rational and logical thinking. Adding to this, Nicola Peacock, Assistant Principal at Horizon International School, says, “Focusing on breathing helps manage stress and anxiety instantly by supplying oxygen to the brain, connecting emotional and rational thinking. Techniques like lengthening exhale, or box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) work well. Mindfulness exercises on YouTube, like gazing at a flame or mindful stretching, aid relaxation. With all of the above, the key is to build effective daily habits that will reduce the overall burden of academic pressure in the long term. For anyone in a critical situation now and feeling the stress of imminent exams, talk to your school counsellor or a trusted adult as soon as possible so that they can begin to support you without delay.” Sharing some tips on this, Michelle Thomas, Principal/ CEO, GEMS Al Barsha National School, adds, “Encourage children to unwind with techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation, guided imagery, and journaling. These practices offer a pathway to inner peace, helping them navigate stress and foster a sense of calm.” Plan Your Breaks And Studies One crucial tip for handling exam pressure is to balance study time with breaks. Kids need to allocate equal time for studying and taking breaks. This approach not only aids concentration and learning but also allows them ample time to recharge between study sessions. To this, Nicola Upham, Vice Principal, Student Development, Bloom World Academy, adds, “Planning is essential, but not only the study material, the breaks as well, as we often forget to plan for moments of relaxation which enables our mind to recuperate and be more efficient. Ideally, 45-minute blocks, working in an environment where distractions are avoidable, ensures that time spent revising or completing coursework is productive and avoids mental fatigue. Remaining disciplined and identifying priorities so that students devote the right amount of time to study will also help them feel more prepared and satisfied.” Giving her advice on this, Michelle Thomas, Principal/CEO, GEMS Al Barsha National School, says, “Develop a practical study plan, engage actively with material through techniques like, summarising and notetaking, and break tasks into smaller parts. Prioritise, test yourself regularly and manage time wisely with breaks. Consistent study is key, it is best to avoid last-minute work. Even if you are stressed, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from teachers or peers when needed. Success lies in diligence and effective time management.” Form A Study Group Talk with your friends and form a study group. Studying together lets you help each other out and clear up any doubts you might have. Adding more to this, Eloise Briey, Senior Marketing Executive, Swiss International School, says, “One of the many ways to manage coursework could be to join or create a study group with classmates. The key benefit of this is that discussing ideas out loud can help consolidate information and working together helps clarify any unclear material.” Learn To Say No Learning to say no is vital, even for kids. It allows you to prioritise your well-being and balance academics and personal life effectively. Saying no to things you are not interested in or don’t have enough bandwidth to compensate helps maintain a healthy balance between success in school and overall happiness. Sharing her tips and advice on this, Michelle Thomas, Principal/CEO, GEMS Al Barsha National School, adds, “Establish clear boundaries between school and personal life. Prioritise self-care, including exercise and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to say no to avoid overloading yourself. Lastly, only engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.”
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