Managing our own harmful emotions is key whenever we experience any kind of disappointment. Modern science has backed the effectiveness of our ancient Indian wisdom of using breathing exercises as a means of calming the mind. Our brain and nervous system are the key networks that calibrate our stress response. The autonomic nervous system comprises two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response during a threat or perceived danger, and the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a state of calm. Breathing exercises are a very powerful tool to activate our parasympathetic nervous system. Pranayama has a number of different techniques that centre around long and deep breaths with a slow and steady inhalation-to-exhalation ratio. These techniques help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn decreases anxiety, fear, and an overactive mind.
Preventing any feelings of social stigma
Failure is part of success and demonstrates that you have tried. Several top business leaders in the world, like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, actively recruit people who have failed at some venture but learned from the process. Failure should not be stigmatized. Friends and family can help the student understand that any previous failure will not be a dark cloud over your every future step; the past is the past. Whenever any child or student faces a setback, especially in public, it will trigger social anxiety and stress. The right and encouraging voices of friends and family are crucial to helping avoid any lingering feelings of shame.
Parents should manage their own
stress levels and emotions
At the time of the exam results, the emotions of the children will most often mirror the emotions of the parents. It is very important for parents to manage their own stress levels and emotions to prevent any spillover to their children. If the parents don’t treat a bad exam result with disappointment, it will be the most important factor in helping the child preserve their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that the blow that doesn’t break you is the blow that makes you. Reframing a bad exam result as a learning opportunity and not a failure can help the student become more resilient, anti-fragile, and better adapted to handle the challenges of life.
