LIfe can get a little crazy and sometimes it throws you a ton of curveballs right as finals are creeping up on you. But there are so many helpful ways to stay in check and use your time wisely so that you dont get overwhelmed. Finals week is always stressful, but here are some helpful tips to make it just a little bit better.
1.) Divide up your study schedule.
Assign yourself a particular topic/subject per day to focus on. This will lessen the workload in the long run. Maybe even sub-divide each subject into mini lessons. The point is to make sure you are not tackling huge amounts of information at once.
2.) Concentrate on your weaknesses.
Look through all your old tests, quizzes, and homeworks. What did you most struggle with? After finding what concepts will be on the test, review to see which ones are most confusing. Once you’ve done this, PRACTICE. Review. Re-learn. Write. Re-write. Talk it out. Draw it out. Find your best combination of learning strategies and use it to power through studying. If you are still not getting concepts, go to your professor’s office hours. Professors have office hours for a reason this is to help answer any questions students may have. The Pirate Tutoring center also offers a wide range of classes that they provide tutoring in, so you can go and clear up any doubts. I have been to the tutoring center multiple times and find it to be especially helpful with homework questions.
3.) Remember the key element to learning is being able to focus.
It seems like a simple task but we tend to get distracted by various exernal factors. These can include people that are distracting, noises, cellphones. If this is hard task for you to do, try concentrating soley on one subject, one topic for 10-15 minutes at a time. Imagine you were being tested on the material right then and there and see how you go about learning the information. After a period of intensely concentrating on the material, pause and reflect. make sure you know what you just studied. this may sound like basic knowledge, but remember it is over these simple steps that people procrastinate and build stress over.
4.) Take breaks.
Organize your schedule for the day in such a way that you’re not constantly juggling subjects in your head. Find a balance that’s right for you and your needs. This may mean going to the gym to let off steam and take care of your body, take a peaceful, relaxing walk around campus or just being outside,
5.) Find a way to destress and get involved with something other than studying.
Ways to destress before exams: Do not study. I mean it. Jog, bike, read a book, laugh at something silly. Watch Netflix. Don’t glance at your textbook.
However, be responsible enough to destress in moderation. (ex: No late night partying, binge watching shows etc.)
6.) Read inspirational quotes.
These serve as guides to keep you motivated. Read them every once in a while and reflect. How are you living your life now and what can you do to bring change? Write down your favorites in a notebook or on post it notes and hang them up everywhere. You can surround yourself with positivity.
What else? You are going to take finals. Ask yourself:
What furthur actions must you take to balance your life in order to fulfill the needs of higher learning and self. Hopefully you find these ideas helpful and take some into consideration next time your are studying. Good luck in your classes this semester! REMEMBER: YOU CAN DO IT!!!