You’re relaxing in your dorm room watching the next episode of Shameless, and then you get a text from your friend:
“Library study date tonight? Need to prep for midterms next week!”
Suddenly your heart rate increases, your eyes go wide, and your mind is racing. What do you mean midterms are here? Didn’t we just start learning material?! I’m not prepared at all!
OK. Inhale. Exhale. You’ve got this.
1. Utilize your calendar
Whether it be a physical agenda, reminders on a whiteboard, or the calendar in your phone/computer – USE IT. Writing down due dates and things needed to be accomplished that night can help you remember it, and physically checking it off gives you motivation!
2. Stay hydrated
As much as we want to, we can’t live off of Red Bull, espresso and other forms of caffeine. Keep yourself hydrated with water in between each serving of a caffeinated drink. Your body and mind will thank you.
3. Music
Spotify’s “chill vibes” playlist is my go-to for studying. Rhythmic sounds help keep me in focus without making me fall asleep like classical tunes. However, if Waka Flocka and 21 Savage help you study, then you do you.
4. Break your day down into sections
Whether you designate your days and hours by subject or assignment, set specific times for certain subjects or projects so you can focus on one thing at once. Multitasking isn’t going to work here.
5. Remember to eat
No wonder you feel more tired than usual when you don’t eat. Calories = energy. Energy = getting that history paper done. Set reminders if you need to grab dinner or small snacks throughout the day.
6. Power in numbers
Working in groups help keep you motivated when you see your friends around you working diligently on study guides and reviewing material. You can keep each other in check and use each other as comic relief when you need a time-out from the books.
7. “Me-time” is key
If you know your mind is fried and your body is aching, then quit. You know your body better than anyone else, so take the time to breathe when you need it. It’s not selfish, it’s self-care. I don’t believe in the saying, “You can sleep when you're dead” – no, I’m going to take a nap because if I don’t, then I can’t focus on my work and will be very evil to my friends (who are also stressing out as much as I am). Taking a long hot shower, watching a few Netflix episodes, and giving yourself hand and arm massages all play a fantastic role in de-stressing.
8. Catch some Z’s
As tempting as pulling an all-nighter can be, it’s not worth it. Yes, you can get a lot of work done, but is the overdose of caffeine and half-assed work worth it? Sleep renews the body and stores the information you gathered and studied for over the day.
9. Breathe
If you’ve studied and payed attention to your classes (and to your body), then you should be in the clear. You’ve got this!
