Every year, finals roll around and students can be found bunkered up in their dorms, cramming weeks of information into their heads. This method of studying has been found to be stressful and ineffective. Why miss out on life and sleep days before finals? There has to be a better way… and there is! Studies have shown that a variety of simple activities and routines can help increase your ability to learn and reduce your stress levels.
1. Put down the energy drink and go for a walk.
A brisk walk can help improve circulation to the brain, as well as your whole body. If you feel that you are lagging or stuck in a rut, walking can help you relax, giving your brain time to rest and prepare to take in more information. Be sure not to bury your head in a book or your phone on your walk. The idea is to give your mind a rest, so take the opportunity to enjoy your surroundings and notice something new.
2. Put on some tunes.
And I don’t mean the newest Drake album. Similar to walking, classical music has been shown to relax the mind and body, making room for new information. The “Yoga” mix on Pandora is also a good option for those who need something to help their minds let go. It can also get you into a rhythm, taking your mind off of the work and increasing your ability to learn.
3. Schedule phone time.
Putting away the cell phone is not an option for some. The moment you put it in the drawer or even the next room, you can’t help but wonder “who’s texting, chatting, liking me?” The struggle is real. If you're anything like me, and it is too much for you to part with your phone entirely, set an alarm for 30-45 minutes, place your phone out of reach, and study until the alarm goes off. Also, limit your phone time to just 5 or 10-minute intervals, otherwise you could get stuck scrolling back to 2010 or stalking your ex. Neither of which is a great idea.
4. Close the book.
This challenges you to really search for the answer rather than glancing down at the page. When you force yourself to find the answer without the help of your textbook or notes, you are actually learning. It is a simple way to judge how much you really know, which can be more than you think.
5. Sleep.
This might seem obvious, but many students forget how important sleep is. It helps your body grow, your brain process information and balances out your hormones. There is evidence that getting less than seven hours of sleep can have the same effect on your body as alcohol. Lack of sleep can reduce your short-term memory too, which is not going to help that midnight cramming session.
