The butterflies in your stomach are beginning to transform into stress as NEET approaches. You’ve dedicated your entire year to your studies, but with only 10 days left until the exam, the pressure is on.
What if, we told you these 10 days might be the biggest shift in your life? We at MyMentalCoach have developed a scientifically supported approach to boost your memory, reduce tension, and feel truly prepared when you enter the exam room.
What are your go-to last-minute tactics, then? Reading textbooks on a binge? Countless mugs of coffee? Warning: there’s a better approach. Take a look and learn how to maximize your score during the last countdown!
3-Step Scientifically Backed Study Plan for NEET:
The last 10 days before NEET are crucial for maximizing your score. Forget last-minute cramming – this plan focuses on scientifically proven techniques to optimize recall and performance.
Step 1: Targeted Retrieval Practice with Spaced Repetition (Days 1-6)
The first six days involve actively engaging your brain to solidify information retrieval. Here’s a deeper dive into why this approach works and how to implement it effectively:
Science Behind It:
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Retrieval Practice vs. Re-reading:
Studies have shown that simply re-reading notes is a passive learning strategy with limited effectiveness. Retrieval practice, on the other hand, forces you to actively recall information from memory. This process strengthens the neural connections between different pieces of information, making it easier to remember them later on.
Please watch the video entitled “Retrieval Practice Learning Strategies” to gain insight into how retrieval techniques can enhance your study effectiveness.
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The Power of Spaced Repetition:
Our brains tend to forget information over time. Spaced repetition combats this by strategically revisiting concepts at increasing intervals. This strengthens the memory trace and helps you retain information for the long term.
Taking Action:
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Identify High-Yield Areas:
Don’t waste precious time reviewing everything. Analyze past NEET papers and consult your teachers to pinpoint frequently tested chapters across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Focus your retrieval practice on these high-yield topics.
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Challenge Your Recall:
Ditch the passive review! Here are some active retrieval methods to employ:
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Memory Recall: Write down key concepts from a particular chapter entirely from memory. Don’t peek at your notes!
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Mock Test Blitz: Answer practice questions from mock tests or past NEET papers without referring to your notes.
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Become the Teacher: Explain a high-yield concept out loud as if you’re teaching it to someone else. This forces you to articulate your understanding and identify any knowledge gaps.
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Space Out Your Practice:
Don’t bombard yourself with information all at once. Here’s how spaced repetition comes in:
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After actively retrieving information on a specific topic (through memory recall, mock tests, etc.), revisit the challenging concepts after a day.
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On the third day, review those same concepts again. Gradually increase the interval between subsequent reviews (e.g., 4th day, then 7th day, and so on).
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Utilize spaced repetition flashcards (either physical or digital) to automate this process. These flashcards allow you to schedule reviews based on your performance, ensuring optimal spacing for long-term memory consolidation.
Step 2: Power Up with Strategic Breaks and Power Poses (Days 7-9)
As you head into the final days before NEET, optimizing your mental state for peak performance is crucial. This step incorporates two powerful techniques: strategic breaks and power poses. Here’s a breakdown of the science behind them and how to leverage them effectively:
Science Behind It:
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Distributed Practice with Breaks:
Our brains function better in short bursts rather than cramming for long hours. Research suggests that distributed practice, with short breaks in between study sessions, enhances memory consolidation. These breaks allow your brain to process information and transition to the next session with renewed focus.
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Power Poses and Confidence:
Believe it or not, your body language can influence your mind. Studies have shown that adopting power poses (standing tall with open arms and chest puffed out) can elevate testosterone levels and decrease stress hormones, leading to increased confidence and improved test performance.
This article, “In Brief: Power Poses, Therapy Appointment Stigma, and More Research,” explores the potential benefits of power posing for boosting confidence and improving study performance. Delve into it to see how power posing might impact these areas.
Taking Action:
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Schedule Power Breaks:
After every 50-minute retrieval practice session (from step 1), incorporate a 10-minute power break. Don’t just scroll through social media! Here are some effective ways to utilize these breaks:
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Get Your Body Moving: Take a brisk walk outside, do some light stretches, or engage in some jumping jacks. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and alertness.
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Mindfulness Matters: Practice short meditation or deep breathing exercises. This can help reduce test anxiety and improve your ability to concentrate.
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Socialize Strategically: Briefly connect with a friend or family member who can uplift your mood and offer positive encouragement.
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Embrace Power Poses:
Before each study session or mock test, take a few minutes to stand tall with open arms and chest puffed out, mimicking a superhero pose. Hold this pose for a few deep breaths. This simple act can trigger a physiological shift, boosting your confidence and channeling a sense of power that can translate well into the exam hall.
Step 3: Minimize Anxiety and Optimize Sleep (Days 8-10)
The final leg of your NEET prep is all about maintaining a calm mind and ensuring your brain is in peak condition for the exam. Here’s how to prioritize sleep, manage stress, and effectively utilize mock exams:
Science Behind It:
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Chronic Stress vs. Cognitive Function:
Chronic stress releases hormones like cortisol that can impair memory formation and retrieval. By minimizing stress, you’re creating an optimal environment for your brain to function at its best.
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Quality Sleep and Memory Consolidation:
During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and strengthens neural connections. Adequate sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive performance and information recall.
Taking Action:
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Practice Relaxation Techniques:
Schedule short bursts of relaxation throughout the day to combat stress and anxiety. Here are some effective methods:
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Meditation: Engage in guided meditations or practice mindful breathing exercises. Focus on your breath and let go of intrusive thoughts.
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Deep Breathing: Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly through pursed lips for 8 seconds. Repeat this for several cycles.
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Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups throughout your body, starting with your toes and working your way up. This can help release physical tension associated with stress.
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Prioritize Sleep Hygiene:
Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Here are some tips to ensure quality sleep:
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Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This regulates your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
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Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming routine before bed, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed as the blue light emitted can disrupt sleep patterns.
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Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in blackout curtains, earplugs, and a comfortable mattress.
To understand how sleep fuels academic success, let’s watch this YouTube video titled “Why Healthy Sleep is Crucial for Academic Success.” It will shed light on the importance of prioritizing sleep for focus and concentration while studying.
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Practice Mock Exams under Exam Conditions:
Simulate the actual NEET exam environment by taking timed mock tests in a quiet space. Here’s how to maximize the benefit:
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Timed Practice: Treat these mock exams just like the real NEET. Manage your time effectively and answer questions within the allotted time frame.
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Review Mistakes: After each mock test, analyze your mistakes. Identify knowledge gaps and revisit those concepts from your notes or textbooks. Refrain from dwelling on past mistakes, but use them as a learning opportunity.
If you are feeling stuck or don’t know what to do next or how to start studying; fear no, you can develop your potential and reach new heights with assessment and a personalized training program from MyMentalCoach.
This program will help you realize your true potential and our mental coaches will train you to reach your true potential. Take control of your success today! Schedule your assessment by calling or WhatsApping at +91 9823791323.
Remember, you’ve put in the hard work, and now it’s time to trust your preparation and conquer this challenge with focus and confidence. Walk into that exam hall not just prepared, but primed to excel. You’ve got this!
