How do I mentally prepare for the NEET?

 How I Maintained My Mental Health While Preparing for NEET

Looking back now that I’m in medical college, I can honestly say that the stress I experienced during NEET preparation was nothing compared to the pressure I face in college. To put it into perspective, just the subject of Anatomy in my first year is more vast than the entire NEET syllabus covering two years!

But here's the thing: Once you get into a medical college, it's easy to forget how mentally daunting it was to prepare for NEET.

So, how did I manage to stay mentally healthy during all that preparation? Let’s start by acknowledging the mental challenges I faced during the process.

The Mental Struggles

At first, I ran into a lot of academic issues. My mock test results were always much lower than I expected, and this made me feel incredibly discouraged. I became unhappy with myself and my surroundings, which only fed into a cycle of negativity. To make matters worse, I had classmates in my coaching classes who were quite competitive and sometimes condescending. Mockery and sarcasm became a regular part of the environment, and it added more stress.

I remember a few breakdowns, especially on nights when I had studied hard but my results didn’t reflect that effort. I’d stay up late trying to study, but it was ineffective. I didn’t realize it back then, but my efficiency was incredibly low. I started doubting my abilities, which was tough because I’d always been a high achiever. I had medals from the Science Olympiad and had ranked in the top 100 internationally. I was also an ANTHE scholar, meaning I got to study in the coaching center for free. These past successes gave me the illusion that failure wasn’t an option, but when the NEET prep hit, it made me feel like I could fail.

Another problem was my internet addiction. I found myself spending hours on YouTube and browsing through Quora, which drained my time and focus. Thankfully, distractions like infatuations didn’t affect me much, as there weren’t many girls in my school section or coaching class. But the biggest issue was the inefficiency of my school education. The time I spent there felt like wasted hours, as I wasn’t learning much that was useful for NEET.

Solutions I Found Along the Way

The first step to improving was recognizing my problems. I wrote everything down on a piece of paper, detailing each issue and taking full responsibility for my struggles instead of blaming my environment or others. This was a huge turning point.

Then, at just the right moment, I took a break and went on a vacation to Puri. It was a week of complete relaxation that gave me the mental clarity I desperately needed. I came back feeling much more focused and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

From there, I made a list of things I needed to do and started planning my day. Timetables became my best friend, and I made sure to follow them consistently. During this time, my parents were incredibly supportive, and I realized just how precious the relationship between a parent and child is. This understanding gave me strength to push forward.

I also made some drastic changes to eliminate distractions. I deleted my entire playlist of songs (which had over 100 tracks!) and replaced it with just one devotional song and two motivational tracks. I blocked unnecessary apps and hid them from view. In coaching, I started sitting on the first bench so I could stay focused and avoid distractions from classmates. This turned out to be a game-changer.

I shifted my attitude towards the subjects too. Physics, once my most feared subject, became my favorite. I began solving problems first in mock tests, developing a real interest in learning. It helped me connect with my teacher, who I used to fear. We began brainstorming problems together, which made the subject feel more exciting and less like a chore.

I also started sitting next to unfamiliar faces during tests so I wouldn’t be distracted by the people around me. This helped simulate the NEET environment and kept me focused.

In my spare time, I watched educational YouTube channels like Veritasium, Cody's Lab, and Electroboom. These videos helped me appreciate science for the beauty of learning itself, rather than just as a tool for passing exams.

While I was seriously preparing, I made sure not to sacrifice everything. I still watched 2-3 movies every month to relax and recharge.

Gradually, I started seeing positive results. The cycle of negativity turned into one of success, and each victory fueled the next.

Looking Back: It Wasn't Easy, But Worth It

Now that I’m in medical college, I can look back and reflect on everything I’ve learned. Preparing for NEET wasn’t easy, but the journey taught me a lot about resilience and mental strength. In fact, even now, there are new challenges that test my mental peace. However, these experiences have helped me grow stronger and more patient.

As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, I urge you to take care of your mental health during your NEET preparation or any stressful period in your life. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, and acknowledge when things are getting tough. You’re not alone in this journey.

The challenges we face only help us develop the mental fortitude we need to succeed, both in exams and in life.