Sometimes it’s hard to be motivated after a semester of nonstop tests and work, but whether you like it or not, your finals are inevitable. There is no room for slowing down; staying at a consistent work pace is by far the best option. Here are 10 tips for getting through finals and staying motivated:
1. Start the Finals Season right and get organized.
I always start with getting manila folders and going through each class and reading the syllabus for the final content. I label each one Final #1-#6 and I write the content on each test on the outside of the folder. I fill each folder with past study guides and outlines I have made for previous tests, as well as any new material that may be tested.
**Note: Everyone has a different type of organization system. I like to use daily checklists and make goals for each day. Use whatever you are most comfortable with!
2. Take deep breaths.
When prepping for finals, it is important not to become overwhelmed. The key is to think about which material would most likely be put on the final based on what the professor emphasizes during class. This helps you to reduce the stress of feeling like you need to remember every detail. After you are done organizing, try to focus on each final one at a time. Take deep breaths, and remember it only lasts a week.
3. Once you are relaxed, get pumped.
Finals are exciting! Summer is a wonderful time to relax in beautiful weather and enjoy spending time de-stressing from the school year. I recommend listening to some pump up music and thinking about your summer plans as a reward for all your hard work! I like to pack a little bit each day to remind myself that summer is getting closer.
4. Take it one final at a time.
Like I said earlier, the stress comes when you try to cover too much at once. Take it day by day! Try to study for the most upcoming test, and when you feel comfortable, maybe move on to the next. This will help you keep up a good study pace and reduce stress.
5. Exercise!
If you start to feel caged up or are tired of sitting, try to go for a walk or go to the gym. Not only does going out help burn extra stress, it will keep you feeling healthier and make your next study session more productive.
6. Sleep and eat like it is part of taking the test.
This goes without saying, but staying up too late, snacking on junk food all day and skipping meals will not benefit your test scores. Make sure you are taking care of your body. Your thinking will be clearer, and you will be less likely to burn out.
7. Review, review, review.
Reviewing the information time and time again is much more effective than just trying to do one study session. The more times you see the information, the more likely it is to stick. I like to skim the most important or difficult material right before I go to sleep. The material will marinate overnight, and you will likely remember it in the morning.
8. Try to understand the material.
I recommend a mindset of understanding the material versus a mindset of memorizing it. If something makes a lot of sense to you, then the chances of forgetting are lower. Also, if there are problems or essays on the test that involve application, your ability to reason through the problem/essay will help you greatly. You should understand the material to the point that if someone asked you a question, you could easily explain what you know.
9. Keep everything in perspective.
Finals are inherently difficult. Even if you follow a great study system, there are sometimes bumps in the road that will catch you off guard. If you don’t perform as well as you would have liked, don’t worry. One test is a drop in the bucket; as long as you did your best, there is no reason to mope. Part of finals is just keeping a good pace. You should not let how you feel about one final effect the next, and if it is your last final, then think about the relief of being done!
10. Celebrate!
Finals should actually be called finales. When you are done, you can throw away all that class material and think “I did it! I succeeded!” I think it is important to make a big deal out of completing your finals; it is a great achievement. Celebrating also provides future motivation. By thinking of how awesome it feels to finish, you can better motivate yourself for the next semester.
I hope my finals tips help you stay motivated during finals week.
Happy Studying and Good Luck!
