Ten Study Habits to Use (and Avoid!)

During the last week of school, everyone is getting ready to go back home and finally catch up on some much needed sleep. But, there are also these tests called “finals” that everyone must complete before heading home. Every student knows that finals week could also be called stress week. There are so many subjects to study for in so little time, so that means that Mr. Willy T becomes your best friend for the week. Many students wonder how they can better themselves in studying habits, and not putting it off and checking their Twitter feed every five minutes. So what is the trick to studying? Here are some positive and negative study habits that will help make that week feel a little less stressful.

Positive Study Habit #1: Ask a friend to change all passwords on your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. for the week. And make sure your friend does NOT give in no matter how many times you ask.

Negative Study Habit #1: Do not pull an all-nighter. At the time staying up all night and cramming may sound like the best idea, but in the end it is not. It will throw off the rest of your schedule for the week and you will most likely not remember everything you crammed into your brain.

Positive Study Habit #2: Go to the Quiet Section in the library. You could hear a pin drop back there, and you definitely feel more involved in your studies.
 
Negative Study Habit #2: Do not study in a big group of people. Even if they are in the same class as you, there is a big chance that you all will get distracted from studying and it will take a while to get back on track.

Positive Study Habit #3: Eat a healthy meal before you start to study. Instead of getting a greasy sandwich before going to study which will make you feel tired, opt for a salad with some fruit on the side. You will feel better about your studying and also your body will be thanking you!

Negative Study Habit #3: Do not go out the night before a test.  There is a time for socializing, but then there is a time to crack down and study. The parties will be there after the tests, and not going out for one night will not harm you in any way.
 
Positive Study Habit #4: Make sure you bring all the materials needed for you to study. Once you get to the library or wherever your place to study is, make sure that you have everything you need so you are not going back and forth trying to figure out everything you need to study (note cards, books, highlighters, etc.)

Negative Study Habit #4: Do not use your phone during studying. Unless it is an emergency, try and put your phone down for an hour or two and then give yourself a five minute break to answer any texts or missed calls. Being able to control your urge to use your phone will help you focus more.
 
Positive Study Habit #5: Make yourself a study guide. Even if your teacher does not provide you with one, go through your notes and write out the main points again. If it has been repeated in the lectures, it will most likely be on the test and re-writing the points help you to remember more.

Negative Study habit #5: Do not overload on caffeine. That Starbucks may smell good, but do not get more than one drink for your study time. You will become too hyped up on all of the sugar, and then crash later on which will not benefit you in your studying.
 
By following these tips and going through with them, you are bound to reach success during your finals week. So get ready to fill in some bubbles and for your hand to cramp, because finals will be here before we know it.  But, the best tip I could give to all of you is to remember to breathe and it will all work out in the end!