How To Get Through The Final Stretch
With five weeks left in the semester, it is time to finish strong. I know that everyone is worn out at this point because the workload seems to never end and sleep has become a foreign concept, but you can most definitely get through it!
Here are some helpful tips on how to get through the home stretch:
Find a Solid Study Group
There is nothing better than finding a good group of people who will encourage and motivate you. These people can be your closest friends, or a group of pals from your classes. Either way these people will be there to comfort you when you have a breakdown about a paper and to celebrate with you when you ace an exam. Having a go-to group of people like this will help make the end of the semester go by with ease.
Find a Good Study Spot
I know everyone tells you to utilize the library as much as possible, but if you are like me than studying in a café or a random table in the student center is where you get the most done. Whether it is the library, a coffee shop, the cafeteria, or your room, finding a spot that you feel the most comfortable and that you are the most productive in is a key part of getting through these final weeks, and college in general.
Find or Create a Playlist
I know that some people need to study in silence to get work done, but other people find it helpful to listen to music while studying. It is all about finding the right type of music that will help you focus. For some people it is classical music, rap music, instrumental music, or maybe even opera, but no matter what your preference is you can definitely find a playlist of it for on Spotify or any music streaming website.
Get Yourself Motivated
Finding motivation to sit down and study for a few hours can be difficult. With procrastination dangling Netflix in your face, it can be hard to focus. I have heard of people watching pep talks on YouTube, making a dream board, or having friends and relatives give you motivating words of wisdom. No matter how you decide to get motivated, just make sure that you stay positive and focused.
Find Positive Quotes
Maybe this is just me, but I like finding positive quotes and writing them on sticky notes or setting them as the background on my phone or computer. This helps me calm myself down if I am super stressed about a paper or an exam. These are nice reminders to always be happy and to keep balance in your life. I know that school is the most important aspect of your life right now, but it is also key to balance academics with social and leisure, so find some positivity and spread it throughout your life!
De-stress with Exercise
I know exercise is not for everyone. Sometimes it takes me half an hour to convince myself to get up and go to the gym, but exercise does not just have to be going to the gym and running on the treadmill. Me and my friends love to go for walks down to the lake and hang out there for a while. The path along the lake is quite peaceful and it is a great place to escape to for an hour to clear your head. You could also take advantage of the free days at museums. Walking around the museums and looking at all the exhibits can be soothing after a long day or week. Getting your body up and moving can be beneficial when it comes to relieving stress.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun Too!
School work can consume your life sometimes, but it is always important to take time for yourself and your friends. You can designate a few nights during the week to eat out, go bowling, or see a movie with your friends. College provides you the opportunity to further your education, but it also gives you so many opportunities to let loose and have fun. However, don’t have too much fun and forget about your studies. It’s all about that balance!
In this final countdown of the semester I hope you all find time to study and have fun. Remember to reflect on the great times that you have had this year. Summer is right around the corner! You’ve got this.