Happy finals week! Does that sound too excited? I mean, I am excited because vacation is just around the corner, but before any relaxation can happen, we have to get through finals week. Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re a king or queen of procrastination. You've stayed up all night with just a couple hours of sleep, drinking a couple energy drinks, and standing outside the classroom door trying to last minute study with your flash cards. Hopefully, these eight tips can help you study for your finals!
1. Turn if off.
Yes, turn off Netflix, your social media apps, the xbox, and all other outlets of distraction. Wasting time adds more stress to your studying. Use these outlets later as a reward for all of the studying you have been doing.
2. Socialize.
Did I just say socialize? Yes, yes I did. Locking yourself away with no interactions gives you the feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out). Not only does the socialization give you a little bit of a break, but it also gives you energy and refreshes you for another round at the computer. Talk to the guy in line at Starbucks. Call your mom--we all could have called our moms more this term. Go on a snack run with your roomie. Get some interactions in; and texting doesn’t count.
3. Eat nutritious food.
Chocolate is my go to comfort food when stressed, "hangry," or I need something sweet, but our bodies need some good nutrients in it, especially if we are getting less sleep and exercise than usual. Take the time to buy some fruits and veggies and make a home cooked meal. This allows you to get a little bit of a break, and your body will feel boosted since you're not living off of energy drinks, beef jerky, and a bag of chips. Also, eat something high in protein before your test!
4. Take a break.
I’ve just mentioned many ways that you can stop and take a break; making a home cooked meal, taking a walk, talking to someone, or even watch an episode of the current show you’re binge watching, only if you limit it to one short episode. Take a 15 to 20 minute break after two hours of studying. It will give your brain a rest and allow you to study longer.
5. Find your perfect studying place.
Be smart about where you study. It doesn’t work for most people to sit in bed with their blankets and TV remote close by. It gives you a type of comfort, but it doesn’t give you the sense of urgency. Many people go to the library because there are hundreds of people around you practicing good studying habits, too. Make sure you're somewhere you will actually get studying done.
6. Get exercise.
Be on the move! Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain! I imagine you are not going to have a bunch of time to do a full work out, so Google some office exercises. Do some crunches or push ups. Whatever you decided to do, don’t just sit there all day.
7. Study in sections.
Even though you have your Organic Chemistry test on Tuesday and your Math test isn’t till Thursday, it is better for your brain to study a variety of material. Study for the Org. Chem test more, but don’t study it in back to back study sessions; you can prepare for the math test, too. The repetition and variety of different materials will actually help you remember the content.
8. Sleep.
Sleep is better than any amount of coffee or energy drinks. Brains that are tired do not retain any new information. Last minute studying can be helpful, but not if you are overly tired. Try to stay to a similar sleep routine. The worst thing, besides oversleeping for your final, is being tired and not being able to recall any of the information that you just studied.
Good luck on finals!
