Preparing for JEE? Here's how you can keep stress, anxiety at bay

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is considered one of the most competitive engineering exams. It's taken by some of the brightest young minds in the country, and clearing it is no easy feat, although it certainly isn't impossible. So, exam preparations are bound to be rigorous, with students burning the midnight oil, and it's natural for them to feel the pressure, resulting in anxiety and stress.

However, subjecting yourself to immense stress and anxiety can not only impact your performance and reduce your retention of information and concepts but also impact your mood and health. To help you avoid this and prepare for the exams with a calm mind, we've put together some tips.

Indulge in some physical activity

Sitting cooped up in a room poring over your study material can affect your mental health and without breaks, it can result in burnout. To release some of the stress and tension in your mind and body, engaging in physical activity is essential. Whether you practice yoga, meditate, or walk around the house, include some physical activity in your day. It relieves tension and anxiety by lowering overall stress levels. Even dedicating just 30 minutes of your day to exercise will help you relax and concentrate better.

A balanced diet, good sleep, and moderate entertainment could be the recipe for effective preparation

A healthy, balanced diet is the key to good health, better memory, and performance. Ensure you consume a diet rich in nutrients; one that includes plenty of green, leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Since sitting in a room with your books all day can be exhausting, an adequate intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and good fats, and of course, a good night's sleep are crucial. A healthy lifestyle will enable you to focus and prepare for the examination better and ward off mood swings and irritability.

Furthermore, taking regular breaks is paramount to learning better and performing well in the exam. A short break every couple of hours can work wonders and help avoid mental fatigue. Allocate time for your hobby, spend time with your family and friends to minimise stress and relax.

Mock tests can help you excel

The secret to success is regular practice. While the exam preparation time can be taxing, it's best to boost your confidence and prepared better to ace the exam. This is where mock tests come into the picture.

Taking mock tests plays a crucial role in helping you prepare for the JEE. They allow you to revise concepts and gain an understanding of how the question paper will turn out. In fact, you can also practice with previous years' papers to know the important chapters. The more you practice, the lesser your anxiety, and the better you can prepare and perform in the final exam. You can also watch YouTube videos to better understand the concepts.

Believe in yourself and think positive

Last but not least, be optimistic. Having a positive mindset is essential in many aspects of life, including your JEE preparation. Try to avoid negative thoughts such as "will I pass or fail?", "will I be able to answer this question," and so on. Above all, stop comparing yourself with others; instead, compare yourself with your earlier version.

Believe in yourself. While the JEE is important, you shouldn't be pressuring yourself by constantly comparing yourself with other students. Everyone has a different learning pace and style. Follow what works best for you and remember that it is just one of the many exams that come and go in life.

Conclusion

Undeniably, the JEE is challenging but not impossible to crack. So plan carefully, stay focused, and most importantly, stay calm. Remember that stress comes when you're not confident about your knowledge. A calm mind, balanced diet, frequent breaks, and good sleep will facilitate better learning, allowing you to pass the exam with flying colours.

(The author is the CEO

and Founder, PW)