In Dubai, Diya Maria Thomas achieved the top score in the ISC exams with 99.25 per cent and emphasized the importance of taking breaks during studying to manage stress and maintain focus. She shared that incorporating short breaks, like going for a walk or chatting with family members, helped her stay relaxed and calm during exam times. Diya also limited her phone usage during exams to focus more on studying and less on distractions. She highlighted the significance of establishing a strong foundation, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and engaging in physical activity to reduce stress and improve academic performance.
Praneshwar Eswaran, who topped the Science stream at GMA during the ISC exams with a score of 98.5 per cent, emphasized the role of extracurricular pursuits like music and martial arts in managing stress. He attributed his success to a holistic approach that included activities beyond academics. Praneshwar noted that his passion for music, especially playing the keyboard and releasing music on various platforms, helped him stay focused despite academic pressures. Additionally, he dedicated time to physical activities like badminton and Silambam to maintain balance and support his academic focus.
Certain types of music, such as classical or ambient music, have been suggested to benefit cognitive tasks requiring concentration and attention. Praneshwar highlighted the cognitive-processing skills he developed through extracurricular activities and how they contributed to his academic success. He also mentioned his commitment to physical activity as a crucial element in maintaining a balanced routine. Praneshwar shared his journey of transitioning from a high achiever who experienced disappointment in Grade 10 to adopting a new approach in Grade 12 that prioritized understanding strengths and weaknesses over achieving perfect scores. With support from teachers and unwavering support from his parents, he successfully navigated challenges and achieved academic excellence.
