During CBSE board exams, burnout and exhaustion are inevitable at times. Difficult subjects, unfinished portions, and constant revisions can make the entire process feel overwhelming, which leads to a loss of motivation to continue.

But with the right strategies, you can bounce back with full energy and confidently navigate your board exams. This article shares simple, effective ways to reset your mind during burnout.

7 Ways to Reset Your Mind and Still Ace the Boards

1. Take Short Breaks

Stress builds up when you keep pretending that everything is fine and continue pushing through the exhaustion. As a result, each step in exam preparation feels like a burden and is almost impossible to continue after certain point. This is where taking a moment to pause can make a big difference.

Take short breaks, step out for a few minutes, talk to loved ones, enjoy your favorite drink, or do anything that relaxes you without feeling guilty. These moments leave you feeling refreshed and energised, helping you stay motivated for your CBSE board exam journey.

2. Set Achievable, High-Impact Daily Goals

Board exams may feel like a big mountain to climb when you set a huge to-do list for a single day. And when you are unable to complete it, the pressure builds and makes you feel like you are not doing your best. Instead, aim for small, high-impact tasks and goals each day. These small wins reduce your burnout and help you maintain a positive mindset for your Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.

3. Create Healthy Boundaries and Limit Exam-Related Conversations

Frequent conversations about others' progress, marks, and competition add to burnout. These discussions often trigger negative self-talk and self-comparison, which can affect your peace of mind.

To protect focus and peace of mind, create healthy boundaries and step back from conversations that make you feel weary. Instead, politely start conversations away from exams; this helps you maintain a calm, stress-free environment for your exam preparation.

4. Practice Grounding

During burnout,  stress piles up, and the human body naturally  reacts by switching off focus, which eventually makes it harder to think clearly and keep doing  a single task. Practising deep breathing reverses this reaction by slowing your heart rate and signalling to your nervous system to relax.

You can also attempt some grounding techniques if the breathing exercise does not seem to work right away. Note five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Such mindful exercises bring your attention back to the present moment and reduce overwhelming thoughts.

5. Employ the Switch Task Method

The feeling of mental exhaustion usually occurs when you are consistently stuck with one difficult subject, especially if that subject puzzles or weighs you down. Instead of forcing yourself to go ahead with it, use the “Switch Task” method and reset your mental energy.

If you feel stuck, move to a subject that feels lighter or easier. You can solve a few simple problems, revise a topic you already know well, or work on a different section that requires less effort. This change of focus keeps your mind active without draining your energy any further.

Switching to a different task does not mean giving up on the difficult subject. All it does is give your brain time to reset so that when you go back to it, you feel fresh, more alert, and even more capable of understanding the content.

6. Make your Sleep Non-Negotiable.

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for preventing burnout, yet it is often the first thing students sacrifice during CBSE exam preparation. However, poor sleep reduces concentration, slows memory recall, and affects your ability to solve problems effectively.

Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Going to bed and waking up on a regular schedule helps the brain organise and process information and solidify memories and emotions. Attempt not to study, eat, or watch any screens right before bedtime, so your body can work its natural course and stick to its routine.

7. Reach Out When You Need Support

Burnout can leave you drained, overwhelmed, and disconnected from your usual motivation. At these times, reaching out to someone you trust can make all the difference. Parents, teachers, mentors, or friends can offer advice, reassurance, or that quiet space where you would be able to talk your feelings out.

Sharing what you are going through does not make you weak. This reflects self-awareness and willingness to care for your well-being. Even a short conversation may help you think more clearly, lighten emotional heaviness, and remind you that you do not have to handle burnout on your own. Others can help you regain your balance, strengthen your confidence, and give you the emotional grounding to continue your preparation for board exams with clarity.

Final Thoughts

Burnout is a reminder to pause and take care of yourself, especially during CBSE board exam preparation. When you honour your well-being, you are better equipped to study smart for the CBSE board exams and approach your exams with clarity and confidence. Stay patient with yourself, stay consistent, and trust that your efforts will lead you forward.

FAQs

1. How can I reduce stress before CBSE exams?
Take short breaks, breathe deeply, and focus on small, achievable goals instead of long to-do lists. Staying organised and well-rested helps reduce last-minute exam stress.

2. What are the best tips to stay calm before exams?
Practice deep breathing or grounding techniques, avoid constant exam-related conversations, and remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection.

3. How do I stay motivated when I’m tired of studying?
Switch to an easier subject, revise familiar topics, or take a short mental break to recharge. Small wins can reignite your motivation and focus.

4. What should I do if I feel burnt out during exam prep?
Pause and allow yourself rest, sleep well, step outside, or talk to someone you trust. Recharging your mind prevents fatigue and improves focus.

5. How can I reset my mind quickly before an exam?
Do a few minutes of mindful breathing, stretch, or visualise success. These quick resets calm your nerves and sharpen your concentration before you begin.