HAPPY EXAM, PEACEFUL MIND
An interactive session titled “Happy Exam, Peaceful Mind” was conducted on 17th September 2026, for Optometry Students with the aim of helping them understand examination stress and develop practical strategies to manage it effectively. The session was led by Dr. Sumina Pampottil, Senior Consultant and Psychologist, AAMCH. The presentation focused on maintaining calmness, confidence and a positive approach during examination preparation. Students were encouraged to assess their current stress levels and understand that while a moderate amount of stress can improve alertness and focus, excessive or unmanaged stress may affect concentration, memory, sleep, confidence and decision-making. Common sources of examination stress such as a large syllabus, poor time management, fear of failure, family expectations, comparison with peers, social media and inadequate sleep were discussed. Students were also encouraged to focus on factors they can control rather than worrying about aspects such as question-paper difficulty or the performance of others.
The session introduced the 3R approach – Routine, Recall and Reset for effective examination preparation. Students were advised to follow a consistent study routine, divide the syllabus into manageable targets, set realistic daily goals and schedule revision. The importance of active recall was emphasized through the sequence Read → Close the book → Recall → Explain → Check, with students encouraged to explain concepts as if teaching them to a patient. Simple techniques such as deep breathing, box breathing, short walks and journaling were suggested to help students reset when anxiety increases. Examination strategies for handling difficult questions and temporary blank moments were also discussed, including pausing, answering familiar questions first and returning to difficult ones later. The session highlighted that all-night studying, avoiding breaks, sacrificing sleep and constant comparison with friends are not effective approaches. Through a practical student-centered activity, students were encouraged to plan their preparation, practice regularly, prioritize sleep and take one step at a time. Overall, the session provided simple and practical methods to manage examination stress while promoting healthy study habits, calm focus, preparedness and confidence among Optometry Students.
