Exams are coming up...yay. It's nice because that means the semester is almost over, but it's not so nice because that means a lot of stress and studying! Well, the best things are worth working for, so let's look at some tips on how to survive exams without panicking or failing:

1. Start studying early.

Do NOT do an all-nighter right before the exam! That will only make you exhausted, and your brain can't handle trying to juggle all of that info when you're tired. Instead, plan out studying a little at a time a few days in advance so you don't have to rush. Take your time to learn the material, not just cram as much of the material into your brain as humanly possible.

2. Take breaks and have some downtime.

You don't have to study 24/7 to get a good grade. You'll crash and burn long before you're ready! If you do like the first tip says and start studying in advance, you'll save enough time to REALLY relax. I don't mean stressfully watching YouTube while you still have hours of work left. If you push through and get your work done, you'll have time to sit down and feel accomplished.

3. Accountability and rewards systems.

Okay, the first two tips you've probably heard about a hundred times. You know what you should do, but you tillcan't get yourself to do it. You want to start studying early, but you just don't have the time/motivation to get yourself to do it. Well, that's where accountability comes in! If you have someone constantly encouraging and pushing you, you'll be more motivated to work harder. You can also have someone to chill with while you're taking breaks! That's where rewards systems come in. Every time you reach a goal (30 minutes of studying, getting one final project done, etc.), you reward yourself. This is another form of encouragement that will get you motivated to study.

4. Use technology to your advantage.

Maybe you couldn't find an accountability partner, and you just can't find a reward that gets you motivated. Alright, then. If technology is getting you into trouble by being a distraction, then use it to your advantage! There are so many apps that you can use to help you study. For starters, almost everyone has the Clock app. You can set up timers to break your study time into chunks so it isn't so overwhelming. There's also the Quizlet app that allows you to make flashcards to help you study. Just be sure to turn your notifications off so you don't get distracted!

5. See the light at the end of the tunnel.

Like I said, exams can be a good and a bad thing. Apps and accountability will help, but the best thing that will get you through is your determination and self-control. Don't have those things? Get them! You can use these tips to help you, but at the end of the day, you have to motivate yourself. And I don't just mean motivate yourself to study! You have to see the end coming and be excited about it. You have to want to finish strong and do the best you can. You have to commit to being proud of yourself no matter what grade you get because you know that you did your best! Even if you have to write little encouraging notes and tape them everywhere you see, do it! Remind yourself that this isn't the end of the world. A little perspective can make these things a lot easier to handle.

Well, I hope these were helpful and encouraging for you. Don't give up, but don't overwork yourself either. There's a balance that you need to find. You can't study till your eyes pop out, and you can't avoid studying so you don't have to worry about it. Do what will make you proud of yourself later on.

Good luck!