How to avoid burnouts during your CAT preparation journey



It is very common to feel exhausted and fatigued during long, repetitive activities. CAT preparation is a demanding journey, and these overwhelming feelings are bound to arise. The saying “A stitch in time saves nine” may sound cliché, but following the right strategies can prevent serious adverse effects.

 During your preparation journey, several factors can cause fluctuations in your motivation — excessive screen time (often underestimated) can lead to headaches, a sedentary routine drains energy, and fluctuating mock scores can cause stress.





        How to Mitigate Burnout:

  Maintaining a perfectly healthy routine might feel unrealistic during                                  CAT prep, but small changes can make a big difference.

    Take a brisk 30-minute evening walk to refresh your body.

      Practice meditation for even 7 minutes daily — it helps regulate your             mind and reduce stress.


2. Dietary Requirements

    1. Nutrition plays a huge role in your energy levels. Just like lifting weights while eating pizza sounds inconsistent, ignoring proper food habits while studying drains your efficiency.

      • Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet.
      • Allow yourself occasional cheat days, but keep balance in mind.

      3. Breaks in Between
      Prolonged sitting leads to fatigue and loss of focus. Following structured study methods like the 40-20 rule (40 minutes study, 20 minutes break) can help maintain consistency and improve concentration.


      Dealing with the Elephant in the Room: Mock Scores

      Even with all these measures, handling mock scores is one of the toughest challenges. We are not robots — it is natural to feel emotional highs and lows. Imagine burning the midnight oil and still ending up with single-digit scores — it would discourage anyone. But remember: what scores truly reflect are mistakes, and mistakes can be corrected.

      • Low Marks: Shut down your laptop, get some fresh air, talk to friends, then return with a positive mindset. Analyze your mistakes carefully and learn from them.
      • Good Percentile: Celebrate small wins. Reward yourself with a show, dessert, or anything you enjoy. This positive reinforcement adds fuel to your preparation journey.


      Happy Reading