With finals season on the horizon, studying may feel stressful and unappealing. I wanted to suggest a few of my personal favorite study components to help us all THRIVE (not survive) finals season!
Schedule Time
Calendars and planners aren’t always for everyone, but finding time to study can be difficult, so it may be something to consider. If you are in the midst of an exam “season” at school, take note of times that have to be blocked out for your commitments (classes, meetings, work, socials, etc.) so you know when you have free time to study. However, proceed with caution in scheduling. Putting in a calendar event for “Math Studying 12-3 pm” may sound appealing, but it’s not always realistic that you will study exactly how you planned. It’s okay to study for less or more than you initially intended to, as long as you are getting work done and don’t have any other place to be. If you schedule “down to the wire” but end up lacking motivation when the time comes, it can lead to stress and lower self-esteem. Be understanding with yourself, but still make sure the time to study is there.
Take Breaks
Adding on to the “Math Studying 12-3 pm” concept, it is very unrealistic to sit and study for several hours on end without a brain break. Breaks are important, but can definitely be damaging to productivity if not used strategically. Setting study intervals (ex: study for 30 minutes, take a 5-minute break) will increase productivity and decrease the likelihood you will be pulling your phone out constantly and chatting with a friend when trying to complete an assignment. Longer breaks are okay too! If you don’t struggle with attention and can concentrate on assignments for prolonged periods of time, it could be beneficial to sit down and watch a 20-minute episode or read a chapter of a book following the completion of something time-consuming. Overall, taking breaks is individualized and it’s important to listen to your own independent needs.
Change Locations
It’s 4 am, you’ve been sitting at the same desk in the library since 6 pm the evening before, cramming for a final exam. Possibly productive, but is this really good for you? No! Not only is sitting in one spot for a prolonged period of time bad for you, but it is also beneficial for productivity and motivation to experience a change of scenery. Consider finding some new regular study spots and not staying in one place for too long (unless you’re in the middle of a crazy motivation burst, perhaps). Also, it’s important to keep in mind that our brains correlate certain environments with specific tasks, so try to keep your places of relaxation and work separate. Avoid doing work in your bed and bedroom as much as possible.
Put Your Health First
Sometimes, when we have a lot of work to get done, success seems achievable only if our to-do lists are all crossed off. However, health, both mental and physical, are equally as important in getting work done. Physical activity increases endorphins; by having your body feel good, your mind will feel better too. This does not mean that you have to hit the gym and complete a full-body workout to increase productivity, but a short walk or yoga session can do the mind some good. If you can get outside, even better! It’s important to get fresh air and not spend too much time indoors. Furthermore, taking care of your mental health in other ways by doing things you like is important. If you have a lot of studying to do, it can seem like studying all day is the only option. However, it’s important to balance studying with self-care and things you personally enjoy doing. And, in your busy study schedule, don’t forget to eat! Your mind and body need nutrients to keep you going. Finally, sleep is essential for all elements of health and is super important in staying attentive and motivated. If you have not slept a sufficient amount, focusing on work is a nearly impossible task. Do not be ashamed to take a nap if time allows and you need a mental refresh!
Reward Yourself
Outside of just taking breaks in the midst of studying, reward yourself when you complete big feats! A break can certainly be used as a reward, but other rewards can include a coffee from your favorite café, watching a show, scheduling something social with friends, gummy bears or candies after long textbook readings, etc. Whatever is an idealized reward to you and keeps you motivated is good!
Best of luck with your exams!
Brooke Woodrum