Few things bas
1) Be selective
In the world of upsc, 5% stuff is relevant and 95% stuff is irrelevant. Respect that and avoid fomo.
2) Trust yourselfonly if you can. Do what works for you the best, only if you can trust yourself.
3) Stay on track, this prep phase will make you understand the real meaning of slippery slope. Occasional breaks are necessary but should know what kind of breaks and with whom.
4) This is a bit controversial but still here it is. Avoid forum if you already have your peer group. This is nothing but reddit for upsc with all social media features. It makes you feel good about using it but it's addictive, time consuming if you don't have control on yourself. Also, induces fomo.
5) Avoid beginners pitfalls, they're many. Just like point one, 95% stuff is irrelevant
6) imo there is no integrated mains and prelims prep after initial 7-8months of prep. Those 7-8 months are there to understand the concepts of every subject. Post that, there's nothing common in prelims and mains. Demand of the paper is itself way too different.
7) No one studies 8-10+ hours everyday(at least none in my peers). It touches only 10 around the exams. Be realistic, don't be hard on yourself. Also, efficiency follows sine curve, don't get too excited on your highs and be soft when you're at your lowest.
Occasional breaks can involve using insta,bumble or getting some buzz in your head. It's fine, we're human beings, this is inevitable. Just be mindful of slippery slope.
what do you mean by "getting some buzz in head" ?
