With finals season fast approaching, it can be easy to let feelings of self-doubt and anxiety take over. If you’re struggling to figure out how you’ll make it through, asking yourself these 3 questions is a good starting point!
What are your goals?
What do you aim to have achieved by the end of the semester? Setting attainable goals gives you something to work towards. Keeping your goals in mind, even on those lazy days, can sometimes be the push you need to get out of bed and to the library.
How are you going to get there?
Probably one of my favourite sayings is “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. It’s more than just a catchy saying though, proper planning has the power to transform your present problems into future success. It’s never too late to start a plan, as long as you’re willing to commit to it. Make a reasonable and realistic study plan for the remaining weeks of the semester. If you know you like to study at a certain time of day and are most productive then, set out blocks of time for studying at that time. Tailor your plan to your strengths and it becomes a lot easier to stick to.
What do you need to get there?
Evaluate your plans and goals and find out what resources you need to get there. Stationary? A reliable study space? Healthy meals in the fridge, prepped and ready to go? All these things have the power to make finals season that much easier.
Now that you’ve set some goals, made your plan and gotten access to the things you need to succeed, don’t forget to take care of yourself throughout the process. Here’s a few tried and true tips!
Make time for yourself.
And spend if how ever you want to. Netflix is a personal favourite.
Take breaks.
You need it. Studies show that giving in to a break once in a while helps your performance, causing you to perform better than if you hadn’t taken one (Source). Just be sure not to turn a quick break into 4 hours of scrolling through your Instagram feed. I’ve been there.
Eat.
More specifically, eat well. Swap out the fast food for something homemade. But a slice of pizza once in a while doesn’t hurt.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
We only see what others want us to, and comparing your low days to other people’s highlights is misleading and unproductive. Focus your efforts on competing with yourself instead.
Make time for the people you love.
It can sometimes feel like you’re too busy to see anyone or do anything but study; try to see your loved ones even during times like these.
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