Preparing for a competitive exam can be one of the most taxing and exhausting experience in a student's life. Many aspirants dive completely into studies and neglect self-care. This could produce disastrous consequences and take a toll on your mental health. Mental disorders are a serious condition and is very prevalent in our country, and students preparing for competitive exams, unfortunately, remain highly vulnerable to it.

Competitive exams in India add up to these problems because of the way they are structured and conducted. The competition is fierce and the vacancies are very limited. Students have to deal with the pressure of completing a vast syllabus in a limited time and many succumb to despair and start developing mental issues like anxiety, depression etc. Many students start worrying about the results even before the exam is conducted which is a sign of clinical anxiety, the preparation of competitive exams is a long and arduous road. Taking care of your mental health is a must in this growing era of competition and here are some tips as to how one can do that while preparing for a competitive exam.

Physical exercise

Many students who prepare for a major exam spend a lot of time studying which results in low physical activity. Getting up every now and then and taking your eyes off the books to give them a rest can have a positive effect on your body and mind. Physical exercise doesn't necessarily mean hitting the gym, something as simple as taking a walk can be enough to refresh your mood.

Stay connected to your peers

Many students who prepare for a competitive exam isolate themselves from everyone so that they don't have any disturbances while studying. Staying isolated for a long period of time can trigger depression, feeling of isolation, anxiety and hopelessness. Students should strive to keep their social life and studies balanced. If you're already feeling hopelessness and aren't comfortable talking to your family or friends, there are various social media apps and websites that enable you to speak with a mental health professional.

Don't sacrifice your sleep

Preparing for a major exam means you will have to pull a lot of all-nighters but don't ever make it a habit. Don't compromise with your sleep. You know your body better than anyone else. When you're hungry, you eat a meal; when you're thirsty, you drink a glass of water; and when you're feeling sleepy, you should take a nap. Sacrificing your sleep won't make you study better. The temptation of covering as much topics as you can in a single night is unhealthy. Sleep deprivation will cripple your concentration, you will get distracted by even the smallest things, sleeping resets your body and you wake up feeling refreshed. keep taking regular breaks in between your study sessions to refresh your mind.

Make a proper schedule

Categorize your daily activities systematically and take breaks according to your needs. Studying nonstop endlessly will only make your brain burn out faster. Taking timely breaks increases your effectiveness and keeps your mind at ease. Stop to grab a bite, go for a short walk, take a power nap. Regular break refreshes your mind and thought process, and helps you understand a topic efficiently.

Conclusion

Competition is fierce nowadays and preparation for a major exam can be mentally taxing. Students should keep in mind that their mental health is also important and should take the necessary steps to prevent any sort of mental disorders. If you're someone in need and is suffering from a mental disorder consult a mental health professional immediately.