After making it through the better part of the semester it can be so tempting to give up in the home stretch. With finals coming up quickly it’s more important then ever to keep working hard, keep reading for tips to help you stay on track at the end of the semester.
1. Exercise – Take a break from studying and head to the gym for a quick work out or go outside for a run. Regular exercise will help to clear your mind and can even help you to sleep better, which is key during finals.
2. Schedule your Time -When you’re extremely busy (such as during the end of the semester), scheduling your time is critical to success. By planning time for studying you can ensure that you are studying enough for all your classes while maintaining a healthy balance of eating, sleeping, and working out.
3. Sleep – Pulling all nighters and cramming for tests sometimes seems inevitable in college but can actually cause you to do worse on exams. It’s important to take exams with a clear mind and this is impossible without rest. Schedule studying earlier in the day and shoot for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
4. Eat Well – Snacks loaded with sugar and fat are especially tempting during a long stretch in the library but sugary snacks only give you a temporary energy boost. For long lasting energy try foods with lots of protein and healthy vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits, veggies, and lean meats are all great, filling alternatives to unhealthy foods.
5. Change your scenery – Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to get rid of writers block or help solve a tough problem. If you usually study in the library try studying in your local coffee shop or bookstore to get a new perspective.
6. Go outside – Fresh air can make all the difference when you’re cooped up in class or the library all day. Try a going for hike or even a quick walk outside to clear your mind and stretch achy muscles.
7. Switch up your studying – A change can often help you get over a mental block while studying. If you usually study alone try working in a group; other useful study tactics include making flash cards, highlighting key points, and attending review sessions hosted by your professor.
8. Have fun – It can be easy to forget to have fun when you have a ton of work to do but sometimes you just need a break for the night! Go get sushi with your friends or check out a local live music venue to get away from studying for a night.