Add a “Relaxation Reset” to Your Calendar

You can get some serious GMAT stress relief by scheduling relaxation time into your calendar. Now, you may be wondering when you could possibly have time to relax as you prepare for the GMAT while managing all your other responsibilities. Here’s the thing: even a small “relaxation reset” can have a big effect.

Here are some examples of “relaxation resets” that you could schedule into your day or week:

5 minutes of deep breathing exercises at the beginning and end of each GMAT study session
10 minutes of yoga to wake you up each morning or wind you down each night
10 minutes of guided meditation with an app each morning
a 30-minute meditation session on Saturday and Sunday mornings
a weekly yoga class or at-home yoga session
a bath with calming scents and soothing music before bed each night or on the weekends

There are also specific meditation-related practices, such as body scanning and focusing on your breath, you can engage in for a few minutes any time you feel overwhelmed by GMAT stress. These activities have proven calming effects and can help you mentally “reset.”

Can you find 5-10 minutes each day to do nothing but relax? YES! Managing stress is an essential part of GMAT prep. Schedule it into your calendar. If you find it difficult to fit in even a few minutes of downtime, I recommend bookending your GMAT study sessions with relaxation. After all, you’ll need to block off that study time anyway.

Doing a brief relaxation exercise before and after GMAT study can also help with compartmentalization, allowing you to focus on non-GMAT aspects of your day when you need to, and thereby reducing stress.

Reach out to me with any questions.

Warmest regards,
Scott