How to manage stress and stay motivated for NEET

With NEET 2017 around the corner, you might be feeling the butterfly in your stomach. You have prepared so hard, and the time to accomplish your goal is imminent. In this situation, the anxiety is obvious. But, why let stress overpower your ability to perform up to your potential? To calm this fluttering feeling that appears few days before the entrance exam, you need to follow certain simple but significant steps.

Stick to a timetable

No matter how many days are left until NEET 2017, following a time table is must. When you study as per the time table, you can give equal emphasis on all subjects and chapters. Also, you can do a regular revision so that you don’t end up forgetting what you learned a few months back. When you are preparing a time table in the last few months before the entrance exam, make sure you also allot some time for break and sleep. After all your mind and body need some relaxation to function properly.  

Following a set time table is not enough. You also need to develop other innovative strategies. For instance, rather than travelling long distances to a coaching institute, you can study through NEET coaching apps and other digital learning products from the comfort of your home. NEET coaching apps can be easily downloaded on your mobile for a quick revision of lessons. You can also study through recorded video lectures that you get on an SD card of you enroll for digital platforms like Aakash iTutor. This way, you can study even without a dedicated internet connection.

Refrain from binge eating

Your parents encourage you to eat healthily, now it’s time to pay heed to it. Indulging in binge eating or unhealthy snacking can make you feel good only momentarily. Avoid excess of coffee, sugar and fried food, as consuming such food just give way to instant gratification only to be followed by feeling of anxiety and depression. If you are in the habit of having several cups of coffee to stay up at night and study, it’s time to cut down the intake. Excess caffeine can make you feel more anxious. Instead should include more fresh fruits, vegetables, oats, lentils, nuts, etc. in your daily diet to combat stress successfully. Oats and nuts are tryptophan-rich food items that are known to reduce anxiety. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water every day. The habit of drinking 7-8 glasses of water will keep you healthy and active.

Don’t compromise on sleep

Sleep is another important thing that students compromise on when the exam date is getting closer. As stress strikes in, they give up on sleep and study for long hours without taking any break. But, as you reduce the sleep time, your brain starts becoming rest deprived. And with an exhausted mind, you can never concentrate on your studies. So, follow a sleep time table and stick to it without any fail. A good spell of sleep will rejuvenate your mind and will help you pull in long hours of study.

Exercise to fight stress

When stress is looming on your head, exercise can prove to be a great relief. Exercise can help you stay relieved and active throughout the preparation stage. As the level of endorphin increases in your brain with regular exercise, you can stay in a good mood afterward. Some of the common stress-relieving exercises are yoga, running, jogging and dancing. Dance to the tunes of your favourite songs during the break time to keep yourself active and energetic throughout.

Create a motivating environment for study

It is important to create a positive and motivating environment in your house, so that you can study without any distraction. Let the sunshine enter your study hub to keep you attentive all day long. Also, ensure that there is no noise and distraction in your house. Your parents can play a major role in creating an encouraging environment. You can also look for a nearby public library where you can study without any distraction.

The secret to success in competitive exams like NEET is in staying encouraged throughout the preparation stage. When anxiety and stress overpower you, your performance is bound to falter. So, drive it away before it turns into spirals out of control.