Preparing for NEET? 6 expert ways to stay calm and prepared

As the NEET exam approaches on May 5, 2024, an estimated 23 lakh students will vie for approximately 109,288 medical seats across India. Many young students harbour aspirations of becoming medical professionals, often beginning their preparations three to four years prior, driven by familial encouragement. However, this journey is not devoid of stress, particularly amongst NEET aspirants, necessitating a deeper understanding of stressors to cultivate resilience.

Nabin Kaarki, National Academic Director, Medical Aakash BYJU’S, has shared some strategies to overcome stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle during this last leg of your NEET preparation.

1. STAY INFORMED 

Ironically, often the never-ending current of digital content either leaves us confused and misinformed, or limits our access to what is relevant. When our goal is to crack an entrance exam like NEET, the lack of relevant information, like syllabus, previous-year questions, test pattern, schedule, exam-day guidelines, seat availability, cut-off marks, career opportunities etc., gives an unclear picture of the future, causing us massive stress. Hence, we must always stay updated by regularly consulting authentic sources, and the official website of NTA is one of them.

2. ORGANISE YOUR PREPARATION RATIONALLY 

Often, stress in our life is caused by a lack of organisation. Make a realistic daily routine, allocating an ample amount of time for each of the subjects, giving the challenging topics the most priority. Do not forget to include regular mock tests and revisions in your schedule and give yourself practical deadlines which you must meet.

In this way, you will be aware of your progress, strengths and weaknesses in order to work on yourself positively. Discuss your doubts and difficulties with your teachers, thoroughly survey previous-year questions to decide what is important and do not waste time on topics just because they are difficult. Use charts, maps and diagrams for better retention and do not let rote learning overshadow conceptual clarity.

3. DEVELOP A TIME-MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 

Entrance examinations like NEET are stressful not only because of the amount of knowledge-acquisition they demand, but also how they test our ability to handle time and have good control over our nerves till the end. Regular mock tests will help you learn how to stay calm and focused, and, in addition to that, devise your own time-management strategy.

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH 

Regular exercise, 7 to 8 hours of sleep, a bit of morning or evening walk and a balanced diet will keep you physically fit and help secrete good hormones to boost your mood. Breathing techniques and meditation greatly abate stress and increase the ability to focus. Also, remember that scrolling through pages on social media is just a temporary distraction from your anxiety, and not a cure for it.

5. ACTIVELY INDULGE IN POSITIVE AFFIRMATION 

If you have a negative voice in your head always damaging your spirit, you will be surprised to know that you’re not alone. Find its triggers, which are often the prejudices that you have unconsciously cherished for years. Try to rationalise your thoughts, do not compare yourself with others, and remind yourself of your past achievements – the times when you performed well unexpectedly.

6. COMMUNICATE YOURSELF 

Regularly talk to those people who actually listen to you, support you emotionally, help you see the reality with a broad perspective, and never tell you that an examination is the end of the world. Voice your worries and feelings, and do not hesitate to ask for professional help if you need.

Although preparing for an entrance examination can be a very isolating experience, avoid self-centredness at all costs. Recognise the value of being kind to others. Maybe, find a like-minded friend to prepare with and assist them in their journey. Remember that when we are helping others we are helping ourselves. Moreover, do not let anyone convince you into believing that an entrance test is the be all and end all of your life.

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The night before the examination, double-check everything without sacrificing your sleep hours, if you stay far from the exam centre, relocate yourself well in advance or plan the journey to the centre ahead, and you may want to carry your important notebooks with you but do not try to revise everything or learn a new concept at the last moment.

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