I normally love being at school and always get excited when I go back to campus. However, I am NEVER looking forward to returning to campus after Thanksgiving break. The weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break often feel like a whirlwind of stress.
Between final exams and final projects, it's important to keep focused and be productive to achieve your goals. Here are some ways to increase your productivity during these high stress weeks.
1. Make a calendar schedule
Use a calendar and write out all your events, due dates, etc. This will give you a visual picture and keep you organized. Cross off days as they go and keep a countdown until your last final exam... this always keeps me motivated!
2. Make a to-do list
The first thing I do everyday is make a to-do list of all the things I hope to accomplish that day. Make sure to be realistic and include only tasks possible to complete; not to many things.
3. Prioritize the to-do list
Order the list from your top priority to your least. Cross off your tasks from top to bottom. Order them by due date, length of project, difficulty of exam, or whatever it may be to make sure you gain the most from the time management.
4. Start the clock
If you went to the gym and set your timer to do a mile on the treadmill, you would give all your energy to complete that mile as soon as possible. If you weren't timing yourself, you would most likely take your time and walk most of the way, thus, not getting as good of a workout.
The same goes for studying. When you study for an open-ended amount of time, you naturally don't focus as well. Set an amount of time for each class you plan on doing work for.
5. Taking breaks is OKAY
You don't want to drive yourself crazy while studying. Taking breaks will help you process what you studied, rest your brain, and ultimately better help gain information when you go back to studying. Getting overwhelmed and tired can hurt your final exam grades.
6. REST.
6-8 hours of sleep does WONDERS for your brain and productivity. I know it's hard to step away from your work when you feel like you have so much to do, but getting sleep is better than cramming for that exam.
With all of these tips, managing the last couple of weeks this fall semester will seem like a breeze. In a few short weeks, you'll be watching Christmas movies in the comfort of your home! Good luck!
