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

Exams are round the corner and most of you may be exploring various options to keep stress at bay by indulging in exercising regularly, pursuing a hobby, or even 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, Institute of Management Studies Goldsmiths University of London, at Thadomal Shahani Centre for Management. This led us to explore some 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 makes use of acceptance and mindfulness strategies, along with commitment and behavioural change techniques, to develop increased psychological flexibility. According to Bond, people who are more psychologically flexible are able to live the present moment fully. “Exams usually make students nervous and that could eventually affect their performance. Before the exam, I urge students to spend at least five minutes focusing on their breathing. Just let go of the thoughts related to your future and careers, 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 one in being more conscious in everyday life and eliminates all the barriers that hinder a person from realising his/her own 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 for exams. “Students can pen down their fears and negative thoughts onto sheets of papers and then either burn or tear them into small pieces. This aids in letting out their suppressed negativity which often become a hindrance in their mind and affects productivity,” she said. 

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