‘Keep changing place while studying’

As the countdown for board exams draws closer, anxiety levels of students are hitting an all time high. While most experience fear and anxiety, several students suffer from panic attacks that develop into breathlessness, dizzy spells and fatigue. Yoga expert Hansaji Yogendra, director of The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz shared a few tips with DNA on coping with exam fever with simple asanas.

Can yoga help students deal with exams?
Students will spend most of the time hunched over a book at their homes. Yoga will help them get a perspective on exams which are just a small part of life. Most students believe that failure will result in disaster. In understanding this philosophy, students can avoid unnecessary worry.

Is there any technique to improve memory power and concentration?
There are several techniques in yoga which can help students sharpen their retentive ability. These exercises are simple and take only a few minutes. Students can practice this while taking a break in between studies. They can look at the flame of a candle for few minutes and then close their eyes and concentrate on the image in brain. Another technique is Unimudra which involves concentrating only on the sound of breathing. This will calm an anxious mind and improve focusing abilities.

How can it help prevent burn-out or depression?
Several students face panic attacks just before entering the exam hall. During such times, they can practice the Unimudra which will soothe their mind. Apart from that, students should practice active studies. For example, they should avoid sitting at one place and studying. They can study while walking or stand on one leg.

Any asanas to help prevent lethargy or sleepiness?
It is of utmost importance to sleep early and get the prescribed eight-hour sleep. Students tend to study till wee hours and sleep for five hours. This will not help
them during exams as they will feel drowsy. Students will benefit if they do some stretching and bending exercises regularly. This will keep drowsiness away while studying.