Star Performers: ‘Taking short breaks kept us motivated’

Academic results often mirror the way students approach their work each day. Regular effort, clear concepts, and a steady mindset during exams tend to make a difference. Gradually, this way of working builds both skill and self-belief. The impact of these everyday choices can be seen in how students describe their journeys. Meet Shiv Nanak Singh, Pavika Sharma, and Samarveer Singh Bhatti from Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg.

In an impromptu interview, they share how a clear sense of time management during exams helped them in their finals

When Shiv didn’t feel like studying, he reminded himself that the effort he put in today would shape his success tomorrow. He also made it a point to take short breaks in between study sessions, which helped refresh his mind.

“During exams, I managed my time by first reading the entire question paper carefully and understanding what was being asked. I divided my time across sections based on the marks and difficulty, and I always kept the last 15 minutes for revision. Revision played a key role in my preparation. I made short notes with important points from each chapter, which I would quickly go through before exams. Apart from studies, I maintained a balanced routine by sleeping on time, eating healthy, and playing lawn tennis daily, which kept me both physically active and mentally positive,” this now Class VII student said.

Pavika stayed consistent by setting clear and achievable daily targets and following a disciplined routine. She focused on regular revision and made sure her study environment was free from distractions, which helped her stay attentive.

“Taking short, purposeful breaks also helped her avoid burnout and maintain concentration. When I faced subjects that seemed difficult at first, I worked on building a strong foundation before moving to more complex topics. I practised extensively, analysed my mistakes, and asked my teachers for help whenever needed. I also used reference books and videos to strengthen my understanding,” she shared.

Instead of following a strict timetable, she preferred a structured yet flexible study plan that allowed her to adjust based on subject difficulty. “I believe consistency, clarity of concepts, organised notes, and effective time management are the key factors that can truly improve performance,” this Class VII student now opined.

Samarveer, like Pavika, took short breaks to go for a walk or listen to music, as it helped refresh her mind. She also stayed motivated by considering finishing her work on time. During exams, she carefully read the question paper and identified the questions that needed more time. He completed the easier ones first and kept enough time at the end to attempt the more time-consuming answers properly.

“I always made sure not to leave anything incomplete. Revision played an important role in my preparation. I highlighted key points while studying and revised important questions, especially those from previous papers. This made me feel more confident. Apart from studies, playing games like football and chess for at least an hour daily helped me relax and manage stress, while a healthy diet kept me energised,” this now Class VII student said in conclusion.