Health Special: Tips to stay fit during SSC Board exams

Wrist twistWriting continuously for a threehour long exam often puts pressure on a students wrists and fingers and as a result one may feel tiredness or pain in that area Moreover with these examinations for almost a month it is important to ensure that your wrists and fingers are in the best shape during this timeTipsgtgt Take a fivesecond break from writing at regular intervals during the exam Hyperextend or stretch your fingers gtgtClose your fingers into a fist and twirl the wrist in order to recharge your fingers for increasing the pace of writingTough to stomachAnxiety pangs are a common problem during this time It can cause discomfort in the digestive tract particularly acidityTipsgtgtAvoid spicy food eat less than your full capacitygtgtKeep yourself hydrated even in the examination hallEye careReading continuously puts a strain on the tiny extraocular muscles of the eyes since they get contracted during the process Moreover reading from a gadget screen often leads to dryness in the eyesTipsgtgtAvoid the sleeping posture while readinggtgtIf you have eye power wear spectacles at all times while studyinggtgtTake regular breaks if you are reading from the computer The thumb rule is 20second break after every 20 minutes spent reading on screenBlink at regular intervals and splash clean water in your eyes to avoid drynessgtgtBefore tucking in place a slice of cucumber or a usedanddried green tea bag on the eyes to refresh themBrain mattersWhile awake the brain is busy gathering inputs from different sensory modalities When a person sits to study for exams the brain is compelled to focus only on limited often repetitive aspects and suppress the nonacademic aspects putting itself under pressure This can lead to distraction and make it more stressful for the students manifesting as tiredness irritability and sleepiness at the time to studyTipsgtgt Take a 10 to 15minute nap after a long period of continuous readinggtgtTry music therapy by listening to soft and slow music preferably symphoniesgtgt Get at least seven hours of sleep because during that time the body executes repair mechanism new cells and neurons are formed that are important to help one feel fresh and think more clearlyBack trackSitting continuously for long hours and often in positions which are not right does tend to put a lot of stress on the back Poor posture and lack of change of posture causes stiffness in the back muscles Sometimes stress on the brain can also cause the muscles of your torso and back to tense up Tipsgtgt In order to relax the upper back and neck inhale deeply and shrug your shoulders Lift them high up to your ears hold and then release Repeat this thrice after every two hoursgtgtRelax your body by practising the yoga pose Shavasana for 10 minutes when you feel tired Lie on your back with arms and legs spread at 45 degrees close your eyes and concentrate on your breathingFootlooseDuring the revision period and exams students often complain of frequent leg cramps Some students have a habit of walking around while studying that can get tiring On the other hand sitting in the same position for long hours tends to restrict blood circulation in the feet as a result your legs may feel heavy and painfulTipsgtgt Take quick brisk strolls for five to 10 minutes after every couple of hoursgtgtDuring the exam stretch your legs at regular intervals Flex your toes by pointing them towards the ground for five seconds or move your feet in a circular motion from the ball of the ankleInputs by Dr Shirish Hastak Neurologist and Stroke Specialist Wockhardt Hospitals Dr Hitesh Kubadia Joint Replacement Surgeon HKS Clinic Dr Hozefa Bhinderwala Consultant Psychiatrist Global Hospitals and Dr Nisheeta Agarwala Consultant Ophthalmologist at PD Hinduja Hospital