That time of year has quickly crept up on us again…the one most dreaded by students: midterm season. It’s that time of year when despite how prepared we might actually be, we inevitably stress out and want to pull our hair out at the mere thought of exams. Unfortunately, we cannot avoid these dreaded midterms. We all have to confront them and eventually get through them, no matter how hard it may be.
Stress is something all of us students feel at some point during midterms. Although a small level of stress can benefit and motivate us, too much stress can leave us feeling hopeless, angry, tired, sleepy, easily irritated…you get the point. As much as we may despise stress and midterms, there are strategies you can take in order to tackle them. Here is a list of a few steps you can follow to get you through your stressful midterm season:
Break it down
First and foremost, break down what you have to do. Once you break things down, it helps you manage your time and plan what you actually need to do. Allocate yourself some time to get things done according to your busy schedule.
Although breaking things down and scheduling yourself some time to study may seem tedious and annoying at first, you will be totally thanking yourself for it later.
Be realistic
Be realistic with yourself in knowing what you can and cannot accomplish – and go from there! Once you know what you will be running up against, it will be easier to tame your stress and get yourself through your midterms this fall.
Spice up your study routine
Try surrounding yourself with a supportive group of friends who understand what you’re going through and can give you some space when you need it.
That being said, if studying in a cubicle in your library isn’t your thing…try opting for a new and more exciting study routine. Make studying as exciting as it can be! If the weather is nice, try studying outside. Or, have a study date with some of your classmates and rent out a room in the library. Being in a group setting with your classmates can actually help motivate you.
Get enough sleep
Instead of choosing a student’s typical quick and short-term fix to studying (AKA coffee) try actually getting some sleep. It seems impossible and like you’re wasting time right? Wrong. You will find that you will have more energy to study and motivation to get things done. Plus, you won’t crash by the time your caffeine fix wears off.
Exercise, exercise, exercise!
In times of stress, exercise is a great de-stressor – it releases those wonderful endorphins that make you happy and give you energy. At the same time, exercising will give your mind and body a break from studying for that awful biology 101 exam.
Eat well, do well
Let’s be honest, during exam time most of us will only end up eating crappy foods, anything quick and delicious. However, eating well during exam time will give you that much needed energy to get you through it. So try to avoid those quick and easy foods like fast-food, and bring healthy snacks to get you through your study sessions at the library.
Take a break
You know those times when you are going absolutely insane from trying to cram an overload of information into your head…the best thing to do is take a break from what you’re studying. Try going for a quick walk, watch an episode of your favourite show, or meet up with a friend for a quick chat. Try something that will instantly get your mind off studying, so that you will be more motivated once you get back to it.
Get help if you need it
One of the great things about U Ottawa is that there are many services available to students – especially when we are in dire need of help. The Student Academic Success Service (SASS) is a great place to go for this. They offer a wide range of mentoring programs like stress management, reviewing for exams and time management which all come into play when studying for midterms.
Try not to stress too much! There is a light at the end of the tunnel; you will eventually get through midterms season and have your life back again. So start studying, stick with it, and you’ll get through it!
Photo Credits: