How to beat NEET exam stress?

Preparation for an entrance examination targeting admission into the most prestigious medical, engineering, architectural or planning institutes of the country is not an easy job. Its every intention to look for efficient ways to maximize focus, effectively managing the time available and studying for an extensive duration without stressing oneself to an extend where time will be wasted. It is not an easy task to start with, because at time motivation may go away but one can only rely on discipline. Achieving the tasks, one should train the mind to stay focused, motivated many times, disciplined every day and avoiding stressing oneself. Here is how one can study to prepare any highly competitive examination and avoiding stressing oneself.

1. Being familiar with the syllabus and creating a timetable

Primarily, set practical goals for oneself. Choose chapters and topics that are more scoring, subject of own interest and subjects that one is lagging behind. Set study target and achievable schedule for practice too. Divide the syllabus in monthly segments with weekly targets and assess oneself after the week ends. For an efficient execution of weekly targets, the daily study schedule should include variation, to avoid monotony. One must know to prioritize which topic and subject that requires deeper concentration. Subject swapping can be done in intervals of an hour or 45 minutes or whenever one feels bored and take up an interesting topic. Combining subjects of interconnected topics will increase the focus and learning ability.

2. Practice Mock Tests

Time management is the main aspect for the NEET examination. There is a time limit for attempting each question and for this pace one can be trained by practicing test papers on a regular interval.

3. Settling in a better focused environment to study

A peaceful place is also essential for minimizing distractions and boredom and dedicating to focusing alone. Therefore, one must settle in a proper sitting area that does not give body pains and eye strains. Proper lighting is also essential for eye health. Taking care of the body daily can reduce the physical stress that can result to an ailment later.

4. Incorporating breaks

Incorporating short breaks to relax, which in the meantime one can stretch and stroll around. But also, it is better to place a timer on the break and not get carried away. When sleepiness creeps in, one can splash cold water on the face or move around for a short while. A short walk stretch, or dancing will help in circulating the blood. Napping is found to be useful for recharging the brain and improving focus. In between study time, one can take daily nap for lesser than half an hour. However, the timing for the daily nap should be the same as this will sync with the body circadian rhythm.

5. Indulging fun methods of learning and prepare notes while learning

Indulging friends to study along and involving together in group study session will motivate each other’s learning ability. One can also engage in video learning methods for a few hours. There are many learning technology applications to finish some tutorials. Writing short notes, highlighting the important terms, formulae and sentences will create an interesting way to study and revise prior examination. Diagrams and flowcharts make study simpler for revision.

Long time sitting in one place, can make the person realize that he/ she has been passively studying for many hours. Simply reading through the text, can push into autopilot study mode throughout the session. Therefore, writing along with reading will actively engage the person into the textbooks.

6. Meditating or exercise

Regardless of lifestyle, meditation is considered essential for improving the mood and mental health. Instead of feeling anxious and with a low mood, a meditation for a few minutes can help in calming the mind and preparing for a confident study session again. Meditating helps in increasing the blood flow to the brain that has been associated with stress and anxiety and enhancing the memory quality.

7. Eating healthy

Dehydration can make one feel tired and want to rest often. The types of food taken throughout the day can also affect the concentration ability during study. Tempting to treat oneself while studying will not help to stay awake. Sugary snacks and junk food can cause blood sugar spike and its digestion can leave one sluggish. Balancing quantity and quality of diet in small but frequent meals making sure it contains proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats and vitamins will keep the brain and body healthy.

8. Regular revision

To master a particular topic, concept, chapter or subject, regular revision is very crucial for examination preparation. While revising, make sure to highlight important and weak areas. Thoroughly revise the formulae, their derivations, reactions, equations and mechanisms for retaining them for a longer time.