With March fast approaching, the bugbear of Board exams for tenth and twelfth standard students is looming large. The lights are on till late in the night and days start early in the morning, TV is turned off, and meals are carelessly skipped. But is this the right way to go about one of the most feared and stress-creating examination ordeals in the country?

Dr. Pravin Lohote, surgeon and dietician, stresses on the need of a properly planned diet for a healthy mind and body. "Apart from general precautionary measures like avoiding spicy gravy and eating out as foods prepared outside are susceptible to poor hygiene, they should follow a simple, balanced diet that takes care of their nutritional needs with light and easily digestible foods, like rice and pulses. But it should be small grain foods like moong dal. Heavy grains like chana should and masoor should be avoided. The three regular meals should be dispersed throughout the day. And dry fruits, like almonds and manuka (Black raisins), which are good for memory enhancement and retention can be taken by way of in-between meals. Cow's ghee is also good for a sharp mind. Most importantly, never skip a meal as it disturbs metabolism and the digestive cycle, which tends to cause uneasiness and nauseated feelings," says Dr Lohote.

About water consumption he advises, "Since it is summer time, specific care should be taken that children do not get dehydrated. Other than plenty of water, fruit juices and home made drinks like lemonade should be profusely consumed to maintain the water content in the body."

A stress free atmosphere is as critical for students as a proper diet. Psychiatrist Rameshchandra Maheshwari says, "Meditation, specially hypnotic or transcendental, is the best way to deal with exam pressure. Pranayam and other stress reduction yogasanas are in fact very helpful for stress reduction." "Like meals even sleep shouldn't be avoided to give that extra time to studies. A fresh mind works more efficiently than a saturated and weary one," he adds.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Best-before-test/274909/