STUDENT & PARENT GUIDE · WELLBEING

Exam stress: what actually helps

For students and for parents: the habits that calm exam season, and when worry needs more than a pep talk.

IN SHORT

Sleep, a written plan and short breaks reduce exam stress more than extra hours. Students: break revision into small tasks and tick them off; move your body every day. Parents: ask how you can help rather than comparing marks, keep home calm and meals regular. If a child stops sleeping or eating, panics often, or talks about hopelessness, speak to the school and a doctor straight away.

Updated 14 October 2026 · Mayo International School, Patparganj, East Delhi

Best fix: Sleep and a plan
Breaks: 5–10 min every hour
Get help if: Not sleeping, eating or coping
Helpline: Tele-MANAS 14416

For students

Write a plan: small tasks, ticked off daily
Sleep 7–8 hours — memory is built while you sleep
Move every day: a walk, a game, stretching
Study with phones in another room
Talk to someone when worry builds up

For parents

Ask "How can I help?" instead of "How much did you study?"
Avoid comparing with siblings, cousins or toppers
Keep meals, sleep and home routine steady
Praise effort, not just marks

When to get help

If a child stops sleeping or eating, has frequent panic, withdraws completely or talks about hopelessness, talk to the school and a doctor right away. India's free mental health helpline Tele-MANAS is 14416 (or 1-800-891-4416).

How Mayo helps

Mayo has an on-campus medical room and regular student health check-ups, and parent-teacher meetings through the year to talk about how a child is coping, not just marks.

Questions parents ask

How can I reduce exam stress?

Sleep 7–8 hours, write a plan of small tasks, take short breaks every hour, move every day, and talk to someone when worry builds up.

How can parents help with exam stress?

Ask how you can help, avoid comparisons, keep home routines steady and praise effort. Get help quickly if your child stops sleeping or eating or seems hopeless.

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Sources

Tele-MANAS (14416), Ministry of Health

Rules change each year: check the official notice for your year. Mayo's own figures come from the school's records.

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