The fall semester is coming to an end, and for many of us, this means final exams and projects. You’re physically and mentally tired, ready for the holidays, and can’t find any motivation to study at the end of the term. Don’t allow these feelings to let your grades fall! Push through for a few more weeks so you can enjoy winter break knowing you did your best! Here’s how:
1. Don’t cram, study over spaced periods of time
It’s very tempting to give yourself a mini-break before the semester ends. You’ve convinced yourself that after you recharge you’ll have the energy to cram study before the exam. This isn’t the most effective way to study. Studying for longer amounts of time is counterproductive, and you remember information better when studying over spaced study sessions. Try to study for an hour or two, take a break, and then get back to it.
2. Make a schedule and stick to it
It’s very easy to become overwhelmed when you’re trying to remember every little thing you need to do, especially when you consider house chores and other errands. Making a schedule is an easy way to realize how much time you have in one day, and how productive just one hour can be. Write out each hour from when you wake up to when you go to bed and plan out: when you’re going to eat, where you’re going, what you’re going to get done that day, and how long it’ll take to do all those things. Remember to take time for breaks and commuting!
3. Take the time to clean
Studying with dirty dishes all over your desk and clothes all over your room is going to stress you out more than you already are. If you take the time to keep your floor clean and desks clear, you’ll find it’s easier to focus. Studies have concluded that you’re more likely to finish a task when your space is clean! You can also use a candle or diffuser to get your room smelling fresh.
4. Indulge in some alone time and self-care
There’s nothing worse than distractions when it comes to studying. Use exam season as an opportunity to take care of yourself: put on a sheet mask while you study, make a healthy smoothie, and enjoy your hobbies during breaks. The great thing about studying over spaced periods of time is that you’re productive, but you don’t have to spend every waking hour scrambling to learn the material. You actually have time to enjoy things you want to do too.
5. Remember what finals season is about
Try not to indulge in too much self-care, because you’re almost at the end of the semester and you have some studying to take care of! Your classes are almost done, so remember what you’ve learned. Try to recognize the expectations of your professors and realize what skills they want you to demonstrate in final exams and projects. When you know what they’re looking for, you can focus on demonstrating exactly what they want, and get that A!
Good luck!
