Finals week is here, and motivation to study is skyrocketing along with my stress levels. As a person who is easily distracted, I should not have ever even attempted any of the strategies listed below, but because I try to make finals as painless as I can, I try new things fairly often. Here is a list of study strategies that absolutely do not work for me, but may actually work for you if you are able to multi-task.
1. Studying while watching Netflix.
This doesn't just go for Netflix -- It can go for Hulu, Youtube, and the TV in general. I often try making flashcards while watching something on Netflix because I want to try mixing something relaxing with a stressful time, but this rarely works for me. More often than not, I end up making one flashcard per 20-minute episode of Friends.
2. Listening to music and studying.
It doesn't matter if what I'm listening to has lyrics or not, I will still dance to it. I don't try to, but I think I just get so bored that I am willing to distract myself with anything and everything. So dancing goes for all music, including classical.
3. Studying with a friend.
Okay, sometimes this works. It really depends on who you're studying with. Sometimes, studying with a friend means someone will encourage you to continue reading, push you to finish your flashcards, and even quiz you to help you retain the information better. Other times, you will get distracted by the other people and will waste precious time you could be using to study, and instead talk about how cold it is or how stressed you are and end up telling a story about your childhood.
4. Studying in bed.
This one is a no-brainer. It's cold outside. Your bed is warm. The math is simple. Although I know this strategy just about never works, I always try it. I tell myself, "I won't fall asleep this time." I wish I could learn from my mistakes, but I think I do this because I want to nap and waking up from a nap is slightly less irritating when you wake up surrounded by notecards because you think, "I fell asleep while studying." instead of, "I fell asleep."
5. Studying in a loud area.
Being in a room full of people is a bad idea for me because I get distracted by everyone's conversations and want to jump in. Instead, try to find time to study in your room when either no one else is there or when it's quiet. If those aren't possible, find the strength to go to a study room in your dorm or the silent floor of the library.
Finals week is dark, but try to study in increments, take breaks, eat meals/snacks, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep. And though it's cheesy, believe in yourself -- it'll make you less nervous for your exams.
