We know it’s not easy. Preparing for competitive exams is often a solitary journey, where you lock yourself in a room or sit in a library for hours, which in turn makes you feel disconnected from the world around you.
We understand that you want to quickly achieve all your goals and make your loved ones proud. But we don’t want you to do that at the cost of your own well-being.
We also want you to succeed as much as you do, but trust us when we say that sacrificing important aspects of your life, like your family, your friends and yourself, is not the way to do it.
You don’t have to choose between studying and living a balanced life. Striking the right balance between your studies and personal life is not only possible but crucial for your long-term success.
Along with all the hard work you are putting into your studies, it is equally important to work on yourself, your relationships, and your health to make this journey worth it.
The purpose behind this page is to help you find that balance and then learn to maintain it. We’ll explore three key areas that will make all the difference in your preparation process. These are unwinding with hobbies, expectations from your friends and family, and the importance of exercise.
Now, let’s learn the balancing act by looking at these key areas one by one.
1. Unwind: The Importance of Hobbies in Your Routine
Hobbies are not just important to answer questions in an exam interview. They have the capability of truly making or breaking your personality.
However, while we prepare for any exam, even thinking about hobbies or taking time off from studies feels absurd and counterproductive. But the truth is that unwinding or pursuing hobbies is not a luxury; it is rather a necessity, especially for students engrossed in exam preparation all day, every day.
It could be anything from painting or playing a musical instrument of your choice to reading novels, dancing, or maybe even gardening. Whatever brings you peace and especially something that you enjoy doing without attaching any goal with it.
Engaging in such activities will give your mind an escape from your study routine, which is essential for maintaining emotional well-being during exam prep. Practising these activities at regular intervals also helps in improving focus. So, next time you take a break and do something you love, instead of feeling guilty, embrace it as a part of your personal growth on this long and uncertain journey.
We will discuss more about this in this section.
2. Family and Friends: Navigating Peer Pressure and Parental Expectations
You must be familiar with the feeling of a constant burden on your shoulders. The burden of making your parents happy and proud. There are all sorts of sources adding to this pressure including family, friends and even you yourself. This is the pressure of expectations. While the intentions behind these expectations are most of the time rooted in love and concern, it does take a toll on us.
Both peer pressure and parental expectations are real and are the challenges that every aspirant faces during their preparation journey. But we have good news– it is that by finding a healthy balance and learning to communicate your needs, you can navigate these pressures while still staying true to yourself and your goals.
You need not worry. Through this section, we will talk more openly about these concerns and help you find ways to not let them affect you or your preparation.
3. Exercise: The Power of Movement for Your Mind and Body
Yes, we know you know this. In fact, everyone around you, including your parents, teachers, and siblings, reminds you about it every day, and you are tired of listening to the same advice again and again.
How can I take time out for a run, do yoga, or go to a gym when I have so much syllabus to cover?
How do you expect me to do all the things and take care of my health at the same time? I am not superhuman.
These are some of the questions that never leave your mind.
Don’t worry if you’re not into intense workouts or running marathons– simple stretches or even a few minutes of deep breathing exercises are good first steps. They can help clear your mind and refresh your body.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine might feel challenging at first, especially when you’re balancing so many responsibilities. But remember, it is only your good health that is your biggest supporter in this journey. Without it, you cannot even imagine sitting for long hours to study. So, it’s time to give it the attention it deserves. And as promised, we are here to help you with it as well.
In this section, we will talk about the exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine, which will keep you fit, both physically and mentally.
Creating a Balance That Works for You
However hard it may sound, we will help you create a balance that works best for you. We are here to help you find your connection again with the world around you. It’s about creating a lifestyle that includes maintaining relationships, enjoying your hobbies, and taking care of your mind and body while being kind to yourself.
No need to get overwhelmed. You know what is way better than overnight success; it is the small but consistent steps that you take every day. They are your sure-shot way to success.
