As the board examinations draw near on February 15, students across Amritsar are adopting innovative methods to manage the mounting pressure of revision and long study hours. While textbooks and study notes dominate their daily routines, many are finding solace in activities ranging from martial arts to baking and music, striking a delicate balance between rigorous academic preparation and essential mental well-being.
For 13-year-old Vanshika Sharma of Government Senior Secondary School Vijay Nagar, an hour of kickboxing is as vital as any study session. “I cannot do without it even for a day,” she confides, explaining that her daily martial arts practice helps clear her mind and sharpens her focus. Vanshika, along with her friend Sargam—a class X student at St Sai School—regularly engages in kickboxing sessions, turning to the physical discipline as a way to reset before diving back into their textbooks.
Vanshika is not alone in her pursuit of stress relief through physical exercise. Vanshpreet Kaur, a class XII student at BBKDAV College, credits boxing with helping her maintain a balanced state of mind. “You can’t cram textbooks all day every day. When I feel tired or overwhelmed, the training studio is my go-to place,” she remarks, emphasizing the importance of taking regular breaks to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Sunil Sharma, a martial arts instructor at the Japanese School of Karate, observes a growing trend among students who incorporate physical training into their daily schedules. “Martial arts release ‘happy hormones’ or endorphins, which naturally alleviate stress,” he explains. “This not only helps students cope with the intense pressure of exam preparations but also improves focus and concentration, which are essential during this time.”
Beyond the realm of martial arts, creativity is also emerging as a popular antidote to exam anxiety. Deetya Behl, a class X student from Invictus International, finds that baking offers a delightful escape from the relentless cycle of studying. Similarly, Shreya Soni, a class XII humanities student at DAV Public School, shares that “baking makes me happy because I get to create something I love to eat. It helps me take a break from constant cramming and forget the study fatigue.”
Music, too, has become a cherished outlet for stress relief. Guranshdeep Singh, a class XII student and aspiring JEE candidate, often turns to his harmonium and the soulful rendition of shabads to unwind after long nights of study. “When I can’t sleep, I play the harmonium and sing shabads from Gurbani. It’s meditative and brings me peace,” he says. His early morning kirtans have even become a familiar, if not unexpected, start to his family’s day.
These varied approaches underscore a significant shift in how students are handling exam stress. Instead of solely relying on traditional study methods, they are embracing a more holistic approach—one that nurtures both mind and body. As board exams approach, these strategies serve as a reminder that academic success is best achieved when balanced with activities that promote overall well-being.
In a season characterized by anxiety and sleepless nights, the resourcefulness of these young individuals not only highlights their resilience but also offers a hopeful message: that amidst the pressures of academic life, taking time to nurture oneself can make all the difference.
