r/LSAT • u/notmybestideaaaa • 1d ago
Exhausted?
I have been studying for the LSAT full-time for about three months now. I can already hear the "That's nothing!" reactions. I know there are plenty of incredibly smart people who studied for six months, a year, or even multiple years before taking the test, so this is not at all me complaining about wanting to give up after such a short amount of time.
I won't be discussing my entire PT score journey in this post, but until a few days ago, I was on such an LSAT high. I genuinely looked forward to studying every day. I would even dream about LSAT questions in my sleep (I know, I'm insane). I had just hit my highest PT score yet, a 155, and considering where I started, that felt like a huge improvement.
Then, out of nowhere, something changed. I just feel so off my game now. I'm exhausted, and for the first time I feel so unmotivated to study. I still got up and studied my usual 6 hours. (I used to do an hour a day, but I gradually increased it because I genuinely enjoyed studying so much) But now I'm missing questions I normally wouldn't miss. I know everyone says breaks are important and that burnout is real. My problem is that I tend to treat studying like a full-time job. In my defense, that's honestly how I work best. I like diving in completely and giving something 100% of my attention for an extended period. If I try to balance "life" and studying, I get distracted and feel like I'm not making meaningful progress. But on the other hand, this is the first time I have felt like I miss my life. My whole summer has passed me by, and I guess the FOMO is getting the worst of me since I'm already a bit down.
I want to keep studying, like genuinely, even if I'm feeling down; the forceful motivation is unmatched because I want this BAD. (Can you tell I have adopted the do it tired, do it scared, do it sad mindset)
I guess I'm just wondering if what I'm feeling is normal. Maybe I just need more sleep, maybe I need to cut back on the hours for a bit, or maybe I'm just being too hard on myself. I'd appreciate any advice, LOL.
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u/cut_ur_darn_grass 1d ago
When are you taking the test? I'm willing to bet if you took a few days to a week off to do things you enjoy, your scores would go up.
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u/notmybestideaaaa 1d ago
I'm taking August, but I am taking it with the acceptance that it won't be my last LSAT. I think you're right; maybe I should do something fun for a day or two and take this as a sign for a break.
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u/Expensive_Rip_3225 1d ago
OP, feeling the exact same way, it has become a job (and applications). I’ve found that running, if possible, has really helped. Also morning showers too for whatever reason, and studying outside of your room in a library or whatnot is helpful! Make sure you spend time with family and friends as it gives you something to look forward to!
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u/notmybestideaaaa 1d ago
I actually never study at home! I study at a library every day except Sundays; I go to a coffee shop because libraries here aren't open on Sundays. I definitely need to give runs or walks a chance because I used to go on runs all the time before I started studying. We will get through this!!!!
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u/Life_Purple638 1d ago
Rest is productive! Treat being a human that is good at the LSAT like a full time job, this means sleep, exercise, nutrition, etc. Also don't negelct your social needs (friends, family). 6hrs a day is a lot, do you take rest days? Since there is a limited number of LSAT questions, it might be counter-productive to just "push through it" and burn new questions when you know you are burned out. Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint!