Let’s be real – GAMSAT prep is basically the academic version of training for a marathon while being chased by a bear. It’s intense, exhausting, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, you realise there’s another hill to climb. Staying motivated is tough, and burnout? That sneaky villain shows up right when you need your brain the most. So, how do you keep going without curling into a ball and questioning all your life choices? Let’s dive in and look at some common myths associated with GAMSAT prep! 🚀

Myth #1: “I have to study 12 hours a day to succeed!” ❌

No, you really don’t. In fact, cramming for endless hours is like trying to run a marathon on no sleep and three cups of coffee – it’s just not sustainable. Research shows that quality beats quantity when it comes to studying. Your brain needs time to absorb and process information, so instead of grinding non-stop, try spaced repetition and active recall (flashcards, practice questions, summarising in your own words).

Pro Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique 🍅

Study for 25–50 minutes, then take a 5–10-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer 30-minute break. It keeps your brain fresh and prevents that dreaded “I’ve been staring at this page for an hour, but I have no idea what I just read” feeling.

Myth #2: “If I’m not stressed, I’m not working hard enough!” 😬

Ah yes, the classic “if I’m not suffering, I must be doing it wrong” mindset. Newsflash: stress is NOT a sign of productivity. Chronic stress can actually mess with your memory, concentration, and overall performance. Your brain needs rest just as much as it needs exercise.

How to Keep Stress in Check 🧘‍♂️

✅ Sleep! Aim for at least 7–9 hours per night. (Yes, even during crunch time!) Your brain processes and consolidates information while you sleep.
✅ Exercise! Even a 20-minute walk can boost memory, focus, and mood. Bonus points if you can drag a friend along so you can both complain about GAMSAT together.
✅ Mindfulness & meditation. Apps like Headspace and Calm are great for short guided meditations to keep anxiety in check.
✅ Laugh a little. Watch a funny show, listen to a podcast, or scroll through GAMSAT memes (because let’s be honest, there are some absolute gems out there).

FAQ: “I feel like I’m making no progress. What should I do?” 😩

First of all, take a deep breath. This is completely normal. Learning isn’t linear—sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a loop, but trust me, the progress is happening.

Quick Fixes for When You Feel Stuck 🔄

📌 Change up your study method. If you’ve been reading notes endlessly, try teaching the material to someone else, using mind maps, or watching YouTube explanations.
📌 Track your progress. Keep a log of what you’ve learned each day. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come!
📌 Celebrate small wins. Did you finally understand that physics concept that made no sense last week? That’s a win! Reward yourself with chocolate. Or a nap. Or both.
📌 Remember your ‘why’. Why are you doing this? To help people? To challenge yourself? To wear a cool white coat? Whatever it is, remind yourself daily!

Myth #3: “I should just push through burnout.” 🚩🚩🚩

NOPE. Burnout is not a badge of honour – it’s a red flag. If you’re feeling constantly exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed, it’s time to reassess.

How to Avoid Burnout ⚠️

🛑 Set boundaries. Don’t let GAMSAT take over your entire life. Plan non-study activities to recharge.
🛑 Take breaks without guilt. Your brain is NOT a machine. Even machines overheat if they run too long.
🛑 Talk to someone. A friend, mentor, or even an online study group can help you feel less alone.
🛑 Prioritise self-care. Whether it’s yoga, baking, video games, or aggressively singing along to your favourite playlist, find something that helps you relax.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This! 💪

GAMSAT is a beast, but you are stronger. It’s okay to have tough days, and it’s okay to take breaks. Stay consistent, be kind to yourself, and keep going. One day, you’ll look back and realise all the stress, study sessions, and sacrificed weekends were worth it. And when you do, future-you will be so grateful you didn’t give up. 🚀

Now, go smash that prep! And remember: coffee, naps, and memes are your best friends. ☕😆