How much time should I really dedicate to IELTS prep?

I was super stressed about my IELTS prep and wondered how long to study for the test. After some trial and error, I realized that it really depends on your current level and goals. If you're starting around a band 6.0, 6-8 weeks of focused study can be a game changer. It’s all about consistent practice! You might want to mix in daily reading, writing exercises, and speaking tasks to keep it balanced. I found that using practice tests helped me identify my weak spots faster. What has worked for you all?