Unfortunately, it’s midterms season and those of us jam-packed until Halloween are probably looking for ways to make this year’s fall exams, essays, and projects more bearable. If this applies to you, here are a few tips to help you (hopefully) get ready for your assignment, and more importantly, unwind once it’s over.
Make a Plan & Keep it Simple.
Whether you do a 45-minute study/15-minute break, one-hour study/30-minute break, or any variation in between, find your system and stick to it. Have your assignment topics listed ahead of time and cross off each assignment off as you get it done. Try not to change how you study a week or two weeks before the due date. Trust your system.
Don’t Stay Stationary
Allow yourself to take breaks and to take time to move. If you want to go over vocab in your head, that is fine, but change your scenery a bit – even if it’s just to the next room over. Movement will help relieve stress and it will help you remember more in the long run.
Please Sleep
I know that on the eve of an exam pulling an all-nighter seems like a necessity to get that last topic down, but it isn’t. “You know what you know” and a restful night of sleep will help you feel healthy and confident going into the assessment. Listen to Lo-Fi or drink some camomile tea, if needed. A good night of sleep will help you more than an all-nighter will once test day comes.
Unwind and Get Out on Campus
Once the exam/essay/project is done, you need to find something to help you unwind on campus after such a stressful experience. Since it is the fall season, going to a sporting match with friends, finding a local farmers market or fall festival, or even just finding a cozy spot on the quad with snacks can be a great way to de-stress and leave the examinations behind you.
If you have had enough of “being outside”, then grab your favorite food/drink and turn on a movie (or pick a book) and just unwind in your dorm/apartment.
Remember to keep the notebooks put away. Just enjoy the season and be proud of all the hard work you’ve put in!