With midterms right around the corner, it can be easy to procrastinate until the night before your exam. Since getting a good nights sleep is proven to improve test scores, here are some tips to stay motivated during an intense time of school.
1. Know Your Limits
It’s easy to say “oh I’ll study this for two hours, then this, then get lunch, then this!” But actually sticking to a schedule that rigorous can be hard when you aren’t used to it. Knowing what you are capable of and respecting those boundaries will maximize your study time. Once you have burned out on a topic or question, it’s time to move on to the next question. It can feel disappointing when you set an intense schedule and can’t stick with it, so make sure to also be forgiving to yourself if you can’t meet all of your goals.
2. Two Minute Rule
The hardest part is starting. A general rule of thumb is pick up the assignment for at least two minutes. If after ten minutes you still aren’t in the right mindset and just can’t focus on the question, pick up the next assignement. Ideally, once you get started, you’ll keep going and it’ll get easier to finish all your tasks by starting one.
3. Defining Productivity for Yourself
Being stressed about one thing- like a big test- can make you realize all of the smaller tasks you need to do (like fold your laundry!). Realizing that folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom counts as a productive task can be so important. If it is something that destresses you or something you enjoy (baking, cookin, etc) then that’s even better. Doing a task that you enjoy and that gets you moving is a great way to motivate you to do other bigger tasks. Remember, you have to start somewhere, and that somewhere can be as small as a load of laundry.
4. Have a To-Do List
The best thing to know about a to do list is the very first tip on this list: don’t overload the list or yourself. Have reasonable expectations of what you can accomplish.
To-do lists are so nice because you can get a simple memo pad from online, and customize it with fun pens or stickers. It can be a fun place to doodle as you take a break from a math problem. It’s also just a great way to see what you need to accomplish, and the satisifaction of checking something off a list compares to little else.
5. Go For a Walk
Walking for a few minutes every hour has proven to increase your health long term, so get your steps in! Getting a breath of fresh air when you need to collect your thoughts is both a productive and healthy way to spend your time when you aren’t studying. Explore your campus a little more, and try and find a hidden coffee shop that no one knows about! It might become your new favorite study spot.
6. Take a Break
You don’t have to do everything at once. Take a break, watch an episode of Friends, make a cup of tea.
Overall, remember that being in college is stressful, especially during midterms or finals. Know yourself and your limits, take it slow, and start early if you are really stressed. Take advantages of resources on campus and utilize study groups. At the end of the day, make sure to take care of yourself.