We all know what it feels like: stressing and dreading those last two weeks of each semester. Then people are pinning and posting all these articles that inspire you, give you a relatable laugh, or try to advise you as best they can. In the end, we all have to do the same thing: give up our lives for two weeks to finish with the G.P.A we deserve and power though so we can enjoy the holiday season, worry-free. This article is here to try to keep things simple while breaking down the advice everyone gives us, with the help of some furry friends. Hopefully some of these tips will help you in your preparations, and good luck on your finals!
First, you need to focus on the basis of all of this work: your study habits.
Study when sleepy. If you study the most important or difficult info before going to bed the brain will strengthen those new memories and help you retain more.Â
Space out your studying. Breaking up info and memorizing it piece-by-piece has been proven to be more helpful than memorizing a whole bunch at once.
Color coordination is cool. If you use certain colors for certain things you will be more likely to associate a question on a test with that color and then voila, the answer is right there in front of you.
Make it interesting. If you apply information you have to remember to a crazy story or a funny analogy, the info is more likely to come back to you later and in this case the more detail, the better.
Get a change of scenery. If you study the same info in the Stacks, the Union, and a few study rooms you will probably get more out of your studying. This is because, when you force your brain to form new associations with the same material the memory is significantly strengthened.
You also have to remember to place importance on diet and exercise.
Hit the cardio room. Research has proven time and time again that your brain will be able to handle information better if you get about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.
Alpha is to Omega. Omega-3 fatty acids, contained in fish, nuts, and olive oil, are notorious for their brain boosting ability, mainly your memory. Foods rich in these oils can also reduce test anxiety.
Don’t you dare skip a meal. It can be very tempting, especially in the morning, but if you just make the time to go eat something containing whole wheat, protein, dairy, and fruit your brain will have the fuel it needs to function optimally.
Reward required. It is always good to set goals. Whether it’s a (healthy) snack, five minutes of Vines, or even a shower, make it something you want and work (study) hard to achieve it.
Peppermint persists. If you chew peppermint gum or snack on a candy cane while studying and then do the same during your exam this association in your brain will help you retain the information.
Keep calm and carry on. If you want to relax try some simple yoga moves, like om, upward dog, or tree-dancing around your dorm or reminiscing and laughing with your roommate. Staying relaxed will help you focus and not get carried away with your finals week worries.
In the end, you just have to figure out what works for you. Some things work for people and some things just don’t, but what unites us all (whether we admit it or not) is the will to study hard, earn that grade, and go home to enjoy some time with your family this holiday season-even if you are rubbing your outstanding GPA in their faces, because let’s face it, you deserve that.