As the end of the semester rapidly approaches and final exams loom on the horizon, we all need some motivation! Studying for final exams can be a very stressful process, so here is a list of study tips for those looking to stay on top, stay productive and healthy!
1. Exercise
A lot of people neglect exercising when they’re super focused on studying for an exam. Students feel like they should be dedicating every minute of their free time towards their studying. In my experience, though, any form of exercise can be very beneficial to productivity. Running, going to the gym, or even doing something as simple as going on a walk can take your mind off those stressful exams and help your body relax. Even if it’s only for an hour, find a way to get your blood pumping for a little while and you’ll feel a lot better when you return to the books.
2. Make a Study Schedule
Especially if you have several exams within a few short days, it’s important to make a study schedule. Laying out all that you need to do really helps de-stress your body. For example, try to figure out which topics are causing you the most trouble and then spend more time focusing on them. You want to make sure you have enough time to study all of your material so that you aren’t waiting to the last minute to study for an exam. You really want to avoid cramming at all costs, as this will only add to your stress, and you’ll probably remember less information. Also, try not to schedule your studying really late at night and interrupt your sleeping habits, which leads me to my next point…
3. Get Plenty of Rest!
I can’t reiterate enough how important this tip is and how much college students tend to neglect it. Your body can only take so much math or science before the inevitable signs of sleep deprivation emerge: an annoying headache, a wandering mind and a general feeling of exhaustion. Instead, stick to your study schedule and follow through on it, making enough time for a good 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night, especially during finals week. Plus, a good night’s rest will leave you feeling reinvigorated and more alert when you do sit down to take that exam.
4. Break up your study sessions with an activity you enjoy
So that study schedule you made? Make sure to include intervals in which you don’t study at all. In fact, do something else entirely that you actually really enjoy. Watch Netflix, go outside for a walk, or hang out with friends. In my experience, I often turn to funny YouTube videos during my break intervals. It really helps in the long run.
5. Eat Properly
Don’t study for so long that you forget to take care of your body. In fact, just taking care of your body’s general needs (sleep, food, water) will help you more than anything else. Make sure you include time to eat in your study schedule and make sure you eat well! Although this may sound cliche, eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. I promise that your body will be much more receptive to your studying after a good meal!
6. Hydration
Coffee is great, isn’t it? As with many college students, it’s become an absolute necessity for me in the mornings. But maybe, just maybe, you should lay off the addicting beverage when it comes time to study for exams. Instead, drink water because it’s way healthier for your body–plus it can actually help wake you up! Make sure you drink enough water, otherwise you may get a headache or your body may feel sluggish.