It’s that time of year again, when everything you’ve put off and procrastinated on this term catches up with you. With exams right around the corner and final paper due dates coming up, schoolwork can feel overwhelming. Staying on top of studying can be easier than it seems though. Here are four tips to help you avoid a series of stressed out all-nighters:
1. Stay organized
If you’re feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even started studying, make a to-do list. Writing down everything you need to do over the next few weeks can help you visualize your workload and plan out your time accordingly. Using a to-do list lets you keep track of your progress and keeps you in control of your studying.
2. Get enough sleep
Sometimes the best way to prepare for an exam is just to call it a night. Staying up all night trying to memorize a semester’s-worth of readings will actually make your memory worse. So when you make your study schedule, be sure to give yourself time for a full night’s sleep before every exam.
3. Exercise
Going to the gym can seem like the easiest thing to cut out of your day when you need more time to study. If you’re feeling overwhelmed though, the gym can be the perfect place to relieve your stress. Studies show exercise gives your body many of the same benefits as meditation. Healthline.com explains that the repetitive motions of physical activity “can help provide calmness and clarity,” putting you in the perfect mindset to finally sit down and write that paper.
4. Take breaks
Studies show the most effective way to study is to stop every so often. Brainscape.com recommends taking short, scheduled breaks so that studying feels less exhausting. However, to avoid having these 10 to 15 minute breaks become hours spent on social media, try out social media-blocking apps for your computer. Apps like Cold Turkey will let you block websites like Facebook and Twitter for set amounts of time.