Top 7 Tips for Managing CAT Exam Preparation Stress

Managing CAT Exam Preparation Stress

Whether you are doing online CAT coaching or have decided to prepare offline, one thing that bothers you most is the anxiety and stress of the preparation from the very first day of your start.
Stress and anxiety are some of the basic instincts of human beings. If you are not good at managing your stress level, then it will harm you both personally and professionally. While preparing for the CAT examination, you must prioritize your preparation over anything because this is the surest way to tackle stress from its core.
One quote that is very famous for stress management is -
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another" - William James
Similarly, you should also think only about your percentile and your dream college so that there will be no stress during the preparation phase. But how to reduce stress before the exam?

Stress management tips for CAT exam preparation

Knowing the syllabus

The primary reason for stress and anxiety during any exam is the unfamiliarity with the syllabus and pattern; the same applies to the CAT. Several times it happens that candidates dive into the preparation without knowing what to read and whatnot. And after seeing the vast syllabus, they start getting panicked and lose track. To prevent this, the best way is to download the CAT syllabus from the official website and reread it multiple times before starting the journey. This will not only increase your familiarity with the pattern but also boosts your confidence. 

Start Promptly

Another major cause that builds tension and stress is not giving adequate time for preparation. It happens many times that you start the preparation without looking at the calendar. This approach is the most harmful for your mental peace because you entered the race immediately after graduation.

It is good that you don't want to waste your precious time after graduation, but it's even great that you choose a timeslot from your timetable so that there is enough time for you. On average, 10 to 12 months is considered the ideal time to start your preparation, and 9 months before the exam is the prime time to start, but 6 and 3 months before the exam is not recommended, especially for those who are new to this battle.

Make a Strategy

Having a unique strategy as per your potential will surely benefit you in the long run because no one knows you better than yourself. Everybody's approach might not work for you; it's all upon you to make a suitable plan that matches your caliber so that you reap the desired result from your efforts.

You have the best online CAT course, great mentors, but what if you are going off track? All your efforts go in vain if you don't have a strategy despite having the resources and build unnecessary stress during the preparation.

Seek an assistance 

It happens with everyone that we hesitate to ask for help even after getting stuck in the middle path. Due to the fear of shame and inferiority, we often forget to use available assistance effectively. Even if you are in the best institute for CAT preparation and giving your 100%, it becomes crucial for you to ask for help; otherwise, you may not make it to the final list.

Be it professional from an institute or personal from your friends or relatives who already qualified for the exam, advice from veterans will eventually land you in your dream college.

Stay away from distractions

Distractions are the key factors that affect your performance and hamper your mental calm. It can be of any type like your surroundings, family, the early success of your friends, and the most important social media.

Social media is the best way to get rid of your focus and concentration. Why? Because you see the brightest part of everyone's life, which is the most influential. Always remember that what you saw online might not be true, or the person you admire might be the biggest reason for your stress. So keep away from those fake pleasures, at least in your preparation phase.