Hello, my friends at Beat The GMAT!

Most GMAT test-takers get stressed at one point or another as they prepare for the GMAT. Fortunately, there are relatively simple GMAT stress-management techniques that you can use to get some relief. So, let's discuss Target Test Prep's top 3 GMAT stress management tips.

Tip #1: Get Out From Behind Your Desk

The GMAT preparation process is inherently pressure-filled. So, if you prepare for the GMAT for months, as most test-takers must, you need to find ways to blow off steam. Stepping away from your desk and getting your body moving is a great way to do that.

Exercise is a scientifically proven stress-reducer. It both lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol in your body and stimulates endorphin production, improving your mood. Exercise also provides an energy boost and helps regulate sleep.

Even if you can get in only a 20-minute run, you’ll feel the benefits! So, try to make your preferred method of regular exercise a part of your schedule. Consider it another facet of your GMAT prep!

Additionally, a simple change of scenery can be helpful in overcoming GMAT stress. Between work or school and GMAT prep, spending hours upon hours seated at a desk each day can make us feel physically and mentally sluggish. So, if you’re dealing with GMAT stress, it might be time to mix things up.

For example, if the weather is nice, instead of studying at home on Saturday morning, grab a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop and find a quiet spot to study at a local park. If you’re using flashcards to aid your GMAT prep, why not take a stroll around your neighborhood while you quiz yourself with them?

The point is, doing the same thing day in and day out can make preparing for the GMAT feel like a grind. That feeling breeds stress. So, get out from behind your desk, get moving, and get a change of scenery. You may be surprised how refreshed you feel when you do!

Tip #2: 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.

Tip #3: Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule

I mentioned earlier that exercise helps regulate sleep. Keeping a (basically) full, regular sleep schedule is a very important part of GMAT stress management.

The fact is, everything feels more stressful when we’re not getting enough sleep. Being sleep deprived can have a negative impact on your mood and make retaining what you learn more difficult. So, not getting adequate sleep throughout the GMAT preparation process is a recipe for stress.

Of course, I realize that we’re all busy people and a good night’s sleep isn’t always on the menu. Nevertheless, if you’ve been feeling a high level of GMAT stress, you may want to evaluate your sleep schedule. Have you been going to sleep at widely varying times from one night to the next? Do you get less than 7 hours of sleep on most nights, and far less than that amount on many?

A smartwatch, fitness tracker, or even just a reminder on your phone can help you become more aware of when you’re getting to bed each night and help keep you on a more regular schedule. If your sleep schedule has been seriously off, incremental improvements should bring down your level of stress, even if you can’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Reach out to me with any questions. I've got your back!

Warmest regards,
Scott