With finals approaching, and senioritis (or junioritis) kicking in, we students need all the motivation we can muster to stay focused.
It seems when the sun is out and the temperature is rising, studying seems to be the last thing on our minds.
Personally, I know if I don’t want to destroy the grades I worked so hard to achieve earlier in the semester, I really need to buckle down and hit the books. I ask myself, "Why does studying have to be so painful?"
Surprisingly, it doesn’t. I have compiled a few tips to help studying go by a little easier this semester.
Bring your books to the beach
If you are a tanner like me and enjoy soaking up the sun while on a beach towel, why not let your books join you? I have found that putting on some headphones and reviewing your flash cards and notes is just as effective as doing it in a dreary library. Not only are you getting academic benefits, but who objects to a tan in the summer?
Social Studying
It is always most discouraging when you are sitting indoors alone, thinking about the fun you are missing out on. Instead, why not gather a group of friends and set up a “study lounge” in your home? Fill the table with drinks, snacks, and supplies and hit the books without feeling like you are missing out. It makes studying seem less like a chore and turns it into something much more enjoyable.
Get up early
I know this may not sound like a way to make the studying blues go away, but you'd be surprised. Getting up at 7:00 and dedicating at least 5 hours of your morning to finals review leaves a huge majority of your day wide open for the fun activities you might otherwise feel you're missing out on. This way you do not feel as though your whole day is spent wasted away slaving over notes and books.
Take breaks
I don’t mean walking to the bathroom and back, I mean a real break. Taking breaks between studying may also help you better retain the information. So instead of smashing a PB& J into your bag, take an hour or two, grab some friends and take yourself out to lunch. You will feel revived and ready to go after a solid break.
Create a schedule
Breaking up the time you dedicate to each class before you begin studying will help you remained focused. You won’t hit a point where you feel completely overwhelmed because you have already prepared yourself for the week. This will keep your stress level down, and your morale and motivation up. Also, by making this schedule, you can also dedicate some time to personal things that you want to do and not feel guilty when it comes time to take that break.
So don’t stress about these upcoming weeks. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself because overstressing is not going to give you a better grade. Be prepared, study hard, get some sleep, and don’t forget to reward yourself. A’s for everyone!
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