Ah, UPSC CSE! For every aspirant, It's a gateway to a fulfilling career, purpose, and the immense satisfaction of serving the nation where it demands laser focus, unwavering dedication, and yes, a significant chunk of our time. So, a general question arises, What about that other crucial aspect of life - the personal one? Does UPSC prep have to relegate everything else to the sidelines?

Our mind becomes a battlefield. On one side, we have the relentless UPSC syllabus that seems to grow two new topics every next day. On the other side, we have our well-being – our physical health, our emotional needs, and the people who matter to us. Then again, we question, Can a UPSC Aspirant truly have it all?

The answer, thankfully, is a big yes. We can achieve a balance between our studies and our personal lives. It won't be easy, but it's absolutely possible.

We should try to understand that the preparation journey is not merely about memorizing facts or passing exams. It's about delving into the depths of human understanding, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, and expanding the horizons of our minds. It's not a journey of self-discovery, enlightenment, and transformation.

Then comes the personal life. It's all about us and the things that are important to us outside the work that are influenced by our personal interests, hobbies, relationships, lifestyle choices, and experiences outside our professional or academic pursuits.

We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in. So, striking a balance between personal life and preparation is not just about making time for both. But allocating priorities so wisely only to the needed things. Let's develop an approach for this tightrope walk in a humanized form because after all, we're not a robot:

 

Prioritize your time so wisely

 

It is said that one should swim after knowing the depth of the sea, similarly if you are an upsc aspirant, you have to do SACRIFICE! It is one of the main keys to open your doors towards success.

Just imagine while you are hanging out, someone may be studying, while you are attending parties or, family functions someone may be studying. Then why will you lose the chance to be ahead in the race?

Parties and family functions can wait but the time will not. So, you should be so specific with your priorities and time management. It can be non-agreeable to all but I want to mention that only family and a few exceptional people should be your concern otherwise no one else should be taking even 1 minute of your 24 hours. Remember, what you are having now is because you gave time to it in the past & what you will have, will be decided by where you are investing your time right now. So the choice is yours!

 

Schedule an effective routine

 

You are preparing for UPSC CSE, to become a civil servant, a bureaucrat, popularly known as the iron pillars of Indian administration. It will not come to you as just a job but will bring honor, prestige, power, reputation, and everything you dreamed of, which means this job demands a 110% better person than you are right now. So, the primary step is to mentally prepare your heart, mind, and soul.

 

Here is how you can plan an effective routine for you:

 

• Identify Your Peak Hours: Are you a morning lark or a night owl? Schedule demanding subjects during your most productive hours. Relegate less intensive topics to times when your focus dips.

• Create a Realistic Schedule: Dedicate your study sessions to your daily routine. Allocate specific times for studying with revision and breaks for relaxation, meals, exercise, and sleep. Be realistic about your capabilities and avoid overloading yourself with excessive study hours.

• Stay Organized: Keep your study materials organized and create a study plan outlining your goals for each session. Use tools like calendars, planners, or study apps to track your progress and stay on schedule.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your study plan as needed based on your progress, changing priorities, and unexpected events. Flexibility is key to maintaining balance in the face of life's uncertainties.

 

Find Your Support System: You're Not in This Alone

 

Sometimes, UPSC prep becomes a lonely journey. Don't become a hermit! Surround yourself with positive people who understand your struggles.

 

• Join a Study Group: Find fellow aspirants who share your dream. Bouncing ideas off each other, sharing resources, and celebrating small victories together can make a world of difference.

• Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from someone who's been through the trenches themselves. They can offer invaluable advice, answer your questions, and keep you motivated.

• Stay connected: Maintain a support system of friends and family to share your experiences, seek advice when needed, and take time to socialize and relax together.

 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

 

Think of your body as the temple that houses your IAS dreams. So, Ensure you prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep(7-8 hours), eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, hobbies, and interests can improve blood flow to the brain, sharpen your focus, and boost your mood. 

 

De-stress and Recharge: Make Time for Activities You Enjoy

 

UPSC prep shouldn't consume your entire life. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, playing an instrument, reading fiction, or spending time with loved ones. These activities are not distractions; they're stress relievers that will help you return to your studies with renewed focus and energy.

There can be infinite numbers of strategies and ways to balance life and study. I tried to sum up the most basic necessities one should do. Otherwise, there is a lot to work on, based on your personal way of life and exceptional situations. Someone can be innately bestowed with bureaucratic character then someone has to develop. Someone is just a beginner aspirant then someone is already holding an office of profit and preparing to improve rank. So you have to customize your plans according to your needs.

In the journey of preparing for the UPSC exams, finding a balance between study and personal life is not just a luxury but a necessity. It's the art of harmonizing dedication with self-care, and ambition with well-being. As an aspirant, navigate the rigorous demands of preparation, but it's crucial to remember that success isn't solely defined by academic achievements. It also involves personal growth, happiness, and overall well-being.

 

We should think of personal life as a kaleidoscope, constantly shifting and evolving with each twist and turn. Similarly, with every new perspective and transformation, the kaleidoscope of our identity reveals new facets of who we are.

 

OR Imagine our personal life as a garden, vibrant and ever-changing where your career aspiration is the nourishing soil, enriching each aspect with its transformative power. & why are we preparing for the exam? To fulfill the requirements of personal life and well-being. So both are complementary to each other and hence necessary to balance. 

 

At last, while diving deep into the UPSC Prep, remember that balance isn't just about dividing time; it's about maximizing every moment. Each study session is a step closer to your dream, and every moment of relaxation is a recharge for your journey ahead. Embrace the challenge, head-on! There will be stumbles, and moments of frustration, but also bursts of pure joy when you finally nail a step. So, Let the rhythm of your aspirations drive you forward, knowing that every effort brings you closer to the victory you seek. 

 

 

 

Parth Saarthi Mentorship