Preparing for the PTE (Pearson Test of English) is an emotional rollercoaster—you're not always on top of your game, and there are moments when the pressure gets too much. If you're feeling anxious, distracted, or even a little burnt out, then you're not alone.

As personal testimony, I must say that the real fight is not so much learning English—it's staying mentally strong in the process. In this article, I'm sharing the concrete habits and mindset shifts that assisted me in staying calm, centered, and motivated in preparing for the PTE.

1. Set Realistic Study Goals (and Celebrate Small Victories)


It's so simple to set enormous objectives like "study 10 hours today" or "score 90 on my first mock test." Come on—pressure like that will drain the life from your motivation in a heartbeat.

Rather, divide your study into smaller objectives such as:

  • Practice 2 speaking exercises daily
  • Watch an English video and write a summary
  • Complete the 20-minute mock test section

Small things are easier to get done, and checking them off gives you a boost of motivation immediately. I even had a habit tracker—it made me feel productive even on bad days.

Bonus Tip: Reward yourself! Reward yourself after a successful study session by watching your favorite television show, having your favorite snack, or taking a short walk.

2. Develop A Study Schedule THAT WORKS FOR YOUR Life


You don't necessarily need to study like everyone else. There are some people who like early morning; I functioned better myself in the evenings.

Identify the time of day when you are most focused and plan your schedule around it. Consistency is key. Even 1–2 hours of focused, distraction-free study is better than 6 hours of distracted cramming.

Keep your schedule loose enough to have time for breaks, meals, and resting your mind. Your labor is worth as much as your energy.

3. Use the Right Tools—Don't Overload Yourself


There are simply too many PTE resources out there, but having too many is overwhelming. I tried a lot of websites, but I found that I got the most use out of them when I used one or two.

One of the resources that assisted me was Gurully. Their practice exams, AI marking, and comprehensive feedback assisted me in pinpointing my areas of weakness with clarity. When you know exactly where you need to improve, it's easier to concentrate.

Choose tools that offer:

  • Actual test-simulating exam-like tests
  • Prompt feedback
  • Practice by section (i.e., Speaking, Writing)

Having appropriate prep material makes it easy and less stressful.

4. Train Your Mind, Not Just Your English Skills


This one's underappreciated. Your attitude is a huge factor in how well you study—and how you do on test day.

Here's what helped me:

  • Positive affirmations: I would tell myself before learning, "I'm improving every day," or "I can do better."
  • Maintain a good attitude: I imagined myself finishing the test calmly and confidently. It is cheesy—but it worked!
  • Keep a journal of your progress: Writing down your progress, feelings, or even setbacks helps clear your head and keeps you emotionally balanced.

The PTE is not just a test of language—it also tests your psychological toughness and mental sharpness.

5. Cope with Exam Stress through Healthy Habits

When panic strikes, your mind panics—and suddenly, everything seems more difficult. To remain calm, I instituted some daily habits as non-negotiables:

  • 10-minute walks in the morning or evening
  • Stretching or Yoga (especially before mock tests)
  • Relaxation breathing exercise before learning

Sleep plays a big role as well. If you're having all-nighters studying, it could be doing more harm to your performance than good.

If your body is fine, your mind is alert.

6. Take Breaks—You Deserve Them

It is right to rest. Indeed, you have to.

I used the Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of reading and then a break for 5 minutes. After four cycles, I'd have a break of 20 minutes. I'd relax, play with my dog, or listen to music during breaks.

Never apologize for requiring a break. Burnout causes frustration, and frustration causes giving up. And you're not here to give up—you're here to succeed.

7. Interact with Other Students

Self-study can get isolating sometimes. I was a member of a few online study groups where we shared tips, compared issues, and motivated each other.

If joining a group isn't possible, even being in a Telegram or WhatsApp PTE group will get you back on track. Having others around you is all the motivation you need to make the pressure more bearable. Final Thoughts: Preparation for the PTE isn't learning English—it's learning you. Staying relaxed, focused, and energized is well within reach when you are gentle with yourself, learn to pace, and believe in the process. You don't have to be perfect—you just have to keep going. Believe in your progress. The score will follow.

Conclusions

Learning English is only one aspect of PTE preparation; another is self-discovery.  By being gentle to yourself, organizing your time, and having faith in the process, you may maintain your composure, motivation, and focus.