How to manage work and prepare for the CAT

How to manage work and prepare for the CAT: With the mountain called the CAT now in sight, most working professionals will be wondering how to mount another challenge to get into the old IIMs. The biggest obstacle in front working professionals will be juggling a job and prepping for CAT at the same time.

Some of you in this situation will have decided to quit your job, hopefully only after reading my post on the same and understanding the implications of quitting. Those of you who have not contemplated the same might be wondering as to what can be a fool-proof plan to manage both.

Most of you will be happy if I gave you a daily to-do list. But managing work and prep require more than having a to-do list. Unless you manage your life, work and energy in totality, even the best to-do list will stay just that — a to-do list. So, this post will tell you How to manage work and prepare for the CAT:

The Most Precious Commodity is Your Energy

Most people focus on the fact that they get just a small window of prep time after work and commute. The bigger problem I feel is the limited amount of energy that you have left after a full day’s work. Since our brains constantly crave rewards for each and everything that we do, the first thing that our brains and bodies want to do after a hard day’s work is to relax.

What does this word “relax” usually translate into?

• Bad posture: lying down or slouching in a way that seems to say “I don’t want to give a ****”
• Bad food: something that will make us feel good, heavy, and sleepy
• Bad food for the mind: since the body has been satiated, the mind wants its fix of unending videos and memes

After two to three hours of relaxing, I am sure Time, Speed & Distance will not really seem even distantly inviting. We all know what follows next — a strong decision to wake up early and practice TSD before going to work and a set the alarm with a clenched jaw 🙂 I am sure there is no need to elaborate on what happens in the morning.

Revving Yourself Up in the Morning

The first thing to do then do is to manage your energy better throughout the day so that you don’t really crave relaxation in the evening. If you can prevent the craving, then you don’t need to resist the temptation. Yoga and Pranayama can help boost your energy and alertness levels drastically. Basic breathing exercises such as kapabhati and nadishodana pranayama can rev up your lungs. Spend 15 to 20 minutes every day in the morning, after freshening up, doing these breathing exercises.

If you feel sleepy and sluggish at any time during the day, you can always rely on straightening your back and taking deep breaths to get back to alertness.

Resetting Your Body and Mind in the Evening

As much as the morning revving up is required, what is even more important is the evening reset. Take a bath, whether you feel like it or not, and do another 10-15 minutes round of breathing exercises. Just do this every day, and you will notice a subtle change in the way you feel physically over a period of time, apart from higher energy levels:

• Reduced craving for food, caffeine, alcohol, or cigarettes
• Reduced anxiety levels leading to a calmer disposition
• Reduced brain fog and higher alertness

Another good cure for low alertness and brain fog are Brahmi capsules. If you are short of sleep or feel groggy even after a coffee, a Brahmi capsule can do the trick.

Save Energy by Talking Less During the Day

One of the big ways we expend a lot of energy without knowing is by talking a lot. Treat the energy you have within you as a finite amount, and start conserving it at various points of time during the day. Manage your energy to last the whole day by talking less, and you will save and build up energy reserves leading up to the CAT.

Choose the Right Slots

Choose the time slot to prep that is least likely to be disrupted due to work. Whether it is before or after work, choose a time slot that will not be disrupted. If you have flexible timings, choose a slightly skewed time slot, such as 8-4 or 11-7, instead of the standard 9 to 5 or 10 to 6. This will give you a longer uninterrupted time slot. If you have fixed timings, ensure that you hit those timings, finish your work, and get out.

If you are working on a project with no respite and have to work weekends as well, there is no easy answer. Plan for a break around the September-October period. Inform your boss in advance and ensure you have enough leaves to take this break. Avoid losing leaves for family weddings or trips planned by close friends.

Use Your Limited Time Judiciously

Be aware of accumulating excessive information that might not directly help you prepare for the CAT. Set realistic, achievable, and enjoyable goals for yourself. Use your time judiciously and focus on the most relevant and beneficial content for your preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, How to manage work and prepare for the CAT requires discipline, time management, and a strategic approach. Prioritize study hours, set achievable goals, and utilize weekends effectively. Leverage online resources for flexible learning. Stay committed to your preparation plan, maintain a healthy work-study balance, and don’t forget to take breaks to avoid burnout. With determination and focus, you can excel in both your professional commitments and CAT preparation, achieving success in the competitive exam.