The silent pressure: Managing academic anxiety in competitive environments
Tests, rankings, and expectations leave little space for mistakes or slow progress.
Some students struggle to keep up. Others keep performing well but carry constant stress. Worry about results, fear of letting others down, and internal pressure can lead to exhaustion, sleep problems, and burnout. These signs are often missed or brushed off.
The problem does not go away with time. It grows if left unaddressed. Students begin to think that stress is normal.
Some withdraw, others keep pushing themselves until they crash. The pressure may be quiet, but the effects are real.
Dealing with academic anxiety means changing how schools, families, and students respond to stress. Small, practical steps can ease the pressure and help students manage their workload without harming their health.
What can be done:
1. Set balanced expectations
Expecting effort is fair. Expecting perfection all the time is not.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Shubh Aarambh with Honda Shine 100!
Honda
Learn More
Undo
Recognizing steady work, honest attempts, and gradual improvement reduces fear of failure. When students feel they are allowed to make mistakes and still be respected, they try with more focus.
2. Stop unhealthy comparisons
Comparing students to siblings, classmates, or friends does more harm than good. Every student learns differently. Regular comparison sends the message that they are always behind, even when they are doing their best.
3. Increase access to mental health support in schools
Having trained counselors in schools helps. Students need a space to talk where they will not be judged. These services should be made available to everyone, not just those already in distress.
4. Allow time for rest and hobbies
Study schedules that leave no space for rest affect focus and motivation. Breaks, sleep, and physical activity are not distractions—they are necessary for healthy brain function.
5. Make room for open conversations
Students feel better when they can speak freely about their worries. Teachers and parents should listen without rushing to solve the problem. Feeling heard reduces the weight of stress.
6. Rethink how success is measured
Exams are one way to assess learning, but they should not be the only way. Projects, group discussions, presentations, and regular classroom participation help show understanding without the fear attached to high-stakes tests.
7. Train teachers to notice signs early
Changes in energy, focus, or participation can be signs of stress. When teachers are trained to recognize these patterns, they can step in early and connect students to the right resources.
8. Support from parents without pressure
Parents play a major role. Many believe pressure builds discipline, but it often builds fear. Encouraging without pushing and showing interest without constantly measuring progress helps the student feel supported.
9. Address digital overload
Social media and constant notifications increase pressure. Teens compare themselves constantly online. Helping them set limits on screen time and reduce digital distractions supports better focus and mental rest.
10. Create learning environments that do not rely only on competition
Schools that encourage teamwork, peer learning, and discussion give students a chance to grow without always trying to 'beat' someone else.
Academic anxiety does not go away on its own. Clear steps, open support systems, and better communication can help students cope without sacrificing their mental health. When schools and families choose to focus on effort, balance, and well-being instead of just outcomes, students gain the space they need to learn with clarity and calm. A healthy student performs better in the long run as they are given the chance to focus and grow at their own pace.
Pritika Singh – CEO, Prayag Hospital Group
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
National Doctors' Day 2025: A day in the life of a doctor – stories from the frontlines
Doctors routinely advise their patients to slow down, reduce stress, get enough sleep and strike a work-life balance. But in reality, those very principles are often hard to practise in a profession that runs on unpredictability, intensity and human suffering. From life-saving interventions to critical surgeries and around-the-clock emergencies, doctors are expected to stay calm under pressure while the demands never let up. On National Doctors' Day, five senior specialists spoke about how they cope with the stress that inevitably comes with the responsibility of saving lives—and what it takes to protect their own mental, physical and emotional health. In surgical oncology, the emotional weight can be overwhelming For Dr Sanjay Shah, Trauma Surgeon and Head of the Emergency Department, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad the stress comes not just from patient volume but the nature of the emergencies themselves. He's served through earthquakes, riots, and terror attacks — situations that test human limits. 'It's a 24x7 environment,' he says. 'Every moment is about decisions that can't go wrong.' What shields him from burnout is spiritual strength. Prayer, yoga, and meditation are part of his daily routine, as are short, meaningful breaks with friends and family. 'You need emotional anchors when the job never slows down,' he says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bring home all new SP160 & get an instant cashback up to ₹5000# Honda Undo In surgical oncology, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. 'The word cancer still carries fear. Not every patient survives, and that reality is heavy,' says Dr M Laxmidhar, Senior Consultant and Director of Surgical Oncology. Despite that, he finds strength in those who do recover. 'Knowing we're saving good number of patients with advance cancer keeps me grounded.' His coping routine includes early morning workouts and dedicated time with family. 'Even if I can't always eat on time, I start my day with exercise and end it by talking to my children and parents. It's my daily therapy.' Duty is non-negotiable For Dr Jayesh Prajapati, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, the key lies in structure and selective responsibility. 'Stress and overload are inevitable, but how you plan your day makes a big difference,' he says. Over time, he has narrowed his focus to only the most critical cardiac surgeries, while trusting his trained team to handle routine procedures. 'Delegating is not stepping back; it's knowing where your presence matters most. ' He ensures time for morning walks with his wife, speaks with his children daily, and reserves Sundays for meeting friends. 'These are non-negotiable parts of my week. They keep me sane.' Key lies in setting realistic expectations Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Daria Singh, Clinical Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Joint Replacement Programme, takes a dual approach to managing stress — avoid what's preventable and cope with what's not. He structures his day in advance, allocating time for surgeries, consultations, and team rounds. 'When the day starts with clarity, the pressure doesn't spiral,' he says. For him, spending time with family, cycling regularly, and eating well are critical. He also believes clear communication with patients helps reduce unnecessary tension. 'Setting realistic expectations goes a long way in avoiding stress later — for both doctor and patient.' The mind needs a break Dr Pathik Parikh, Liver Transplant Physician, knows that monotony is as exhausting as emergencies. 'We often work all seven days. The mind needs a break,' he says. He finds balance through travel, family time, and learning new things. Recently, he completed an MBA and is developing a mobile app to digitise healthcare records. 'Doing something outside of clinical medicine refreshes you. It gives perspective and keeps burnout at bay. ' Despite their different specialities, the underlying message is the same — that resilience doesn't come from being immune to stress, but from building routines and support systems that help navigate it. Whether through structured planning, spiritual practice, meaningful connections or personal passions, each doctor has found their own way to maintain balance in an otherwise chaotic profession. Their reflections serve as a timely reminder that even those entrusted with healing others need space to heal themselves. On this Doctors' Day, their stories are a window into the rarely seen emotional world behind the white coat — where care and vulnerability coexist, and where wellbeing is not just a prescription for patients, but a practice for doctors too. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Time of India
Docs: Cases of Type 1 diabetes among kids under 14 yrs rising
Ranchi: Hospitals in the city are witnessing an increase in cases of Type 1 diabetes among children under the age of 14, with annual figures rising from single digits a decade ago to 15–20 cases per year in recent times. Health experts attribute the rise to a combination of improved diagnosis, shifting dietary habits, and lifestyle-related factors. Between Jan 2024 and May 2025, Sadar Hospital reported 12 new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children below 14. Similarly, at Rani Children Hospital, the cases steadily increased from 12 in 2020, 11 in 2021, to 15 in 2024, with 12 fresh cases already recorded this year. Dr Prem Ranjan Kumar, paediatrician at Rani Children Hospital, said, "We've seen the numbers climb from just 4–5 cases a year a decade ago to nearly 20 now. Most of these children are aged between 2 and 10." According to experts, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Dr Kumar said, "Even without any family history, a child may develop this condition due to underlying genetic susceptibility." Dr UP Sahu, paediatrician at Rims Ranchi, said, "This results in absolute insulin deficiency, making lifelong insulin therapy essential. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Honda SP160: Now with More Power and Style Honda Learn More Undo Affected children must follow strict insulin routines, dietary monitoring, and blood sugar management for life." While improved awareness and screening have enhanced early detection, medical professionals warn of deeper concerns. Dr Kumar said, "Dietary changes, especially increased consumption of processed and high-sugar foods, sedentary routines, and prolonged screen time are major contributors." He also pointed to long-term steroid use in children with chronic kidney or neurological conditions as another medical trigger. Doctors stress the importance of early diagnosis to avoid life-threatening complications. "Children often present with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, or headaches, which are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition," said Dr Sahu. Although Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, doctors agree that timely detection and disciplined management can significantly enhance a child's quality of life. Dr Sahu said, "Proper insulin storage, an active lifestyle, and diet regulation are critical. Working parents need to be especially vigilant about their children's eating habits, daily routines, and unusual symptoms."
NDTV
03-06-2025
- NDTV
Mumbai Metro, Monorail To Get EV Battery Swap Facility At 31 Locations
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. MMMOCL and Honda Power Pack Energy are launching a battery-swapping network at Mumbai's metro and monorail stations to promote EV adoption. The project includes 31 stations, enhancing urban mobility and generating revenue. Mumbai: In a major push towards clean mobility, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) has joined hands with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd to launch a battery-swapping network across Mumbai's metro and monorail stations. The move makes Mumbai one of the first Indian cities to embed electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure into its public transport system. As part of the initiative, 31 battery-swapping stations will be installed - 25 along the metro Lines, and six at monorail stops - with the aim of easing electric vehicle adoption among two- and three-wheeler users, especially delivery agents and fleet operators. The first such 'E:swap' centre has already been commissioned at Dahisar East metro station. The project is the first large-scale rollout under MMMOCL's newly adopted EV policy, approved in its 29th board meeting chaired by MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee. Honda's 'E:swap' technology allows EV users to replace depleted batteries with fully charged units in under two minutes, tackling key hurdles like charging time and range anxiety. "This collaboration with Honda marks a significant stride in our mission to create a sustainable, low-emission urban ecosystem," Mr Mukherjee said. "We're rapidly expanding this network across the city." The stations will be established at key locations including Gundavali, Jogeshwari East, Goregaon East, Malad West, Andheri West, Dahisar East, Borivali West and major monorail points like Wadala and Chembur. All installations will follow safety and environmental protocols. According to MMMOCL, the project will generate an estimated Rs 30 lakh in non-fare box revenue, contributing to the agency's financial sustainability.
