The pressure to perform well in exams often transcends academic boundaries, seeping into the personal lives and well-being of students. As they navigate through the tumultuous journey of preparation and anticipation, the effects of exam stress manifest in many ways, impacting not only their mental and physical health but also their relationships and lifestyle choices. In this blog, we delve into the various examples of how exam stress can reshape the lives of students, shedding light on the less discussed but equally significant consequences that extend beyond the exam hall.
Examination stress is taking a toll on student’s physical and mental well-being. In addition, it also impacts the entire family. The following are some of the effects which can be felt in an evident manner:
- Irritation / Frustration over small issues: Students get irritated and frustrated over small issues resulting in mental health issues. This results in a lot of anger issues with the student. This does impact both parents and his/her friends. This can also lead to social withdrawal or conflicts, affecting students’ social life and support systems.
- Overeating: Continued stress might result in students adopting the practice of overeating which can result in an impact on physical fitness. The primary reason for this is the pleasure that they get out of this.
- Lack of eating: For some students, stress can also result in a lack of eating resulting in weight loss. Both overeating and lack of eating can result in different kinds of diseases.
- Performance impact: Examination stress can also result in a decrease in performance in the examination which can cyclically result in further stress in future examinations.
- Bad habits: Sometimes, examination stress in senior students, especially those in colleges, can result in students adopting the practice of alcohol intake and smoking. Over some time, this can result in excessive intake of alcohol and smoking.
- Sleep Disorders: Examination stress can significantly affect students’ sleep patterns, leading to issues such as insomnia, excessive sleeping, or disrupted sleep cycles. This not only affects their cognitive functions but also their mental health and overall well-being.
- Physical Health Decline: Beyond eating disorders, stress can manifest in various physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, muscle tension, and fatigue. This can deteriorate the students’ overall physical health.
- Unhealthy behaviors: Students might also resort to other unhealthy behaviors such as cheating, withdrawal from extracurricular activities, or total avoidance of study, which can have long-term implications on their integrity and personal development.
- Long-term Psychological Effects: The impact of examination stress isn’t confined to the examination period. It can lead to long-term psychological issues, such as fear of failure, low self-esteem, and a persistent state of stress or anxiety that affects future endeavors.
Ajitesh Kumar