Sam Klein, Editor
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and the motivation to study is decreasing with every increase in the UV index. As the spring 2024 semester wraps up in unison with the trees reaching full bloom, the desire to finish papers, study for exams and culminate beautiful final projects dwindles with summer quickly approaching. To help combat the pining for fresh air and instead replace the yearning for rays with straight A's, here are some tips and tricks to stay moving, motivated and mindful.
Take Frequent Breaks
According to Cornell Health, taking frequent, purposeful breaks ranging anywhere from 5-60 minutes are effective for refreshing the brain and increasing focus, furthermore allowing you to be more productive. However, the study emphasizes using social media isn't a beneficial use of your time and provides meditation, cooking, taking a shower, or cleaning as activities for a break time well spent. It's easy to fall into the routine of pulling all-nighters or studying for hours on end, especially in a culture that encourages a fast-paced lifestyle; but, it's imperative to give your brain a break to achieve the most productive studying possible, of course coupling breaks with strategic time management and planning. Plus, you deserve time for you away from a laptop or without your nose in a book; you are human, after all.
Change study locations
Changing scenery can positively affect your mood and motivation due to your subconscious perception of familiar spaces. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to focus in a place where your body is used to resting, like your bed, or accustomed to being social, like a dining hall. Perhaps start at the library in a quiet place for a few hours, take a purposeful break and continue studying in a local coffee shop when you feel re-energized. The University of Miami conducted a study on participants to track their moods in relation to the number of different locations they visited per day. The results of the study proved that people who traveled to a greater number of places reported feeling happier, more relaxed and more attentive. Who can turn down such positive vibes during what can be a stressful time?
Discover the best study method for you
There are endless ways to study information for an upcoming exam, or prepare for any daunting deadlines. In the same way, you can't force a square peg into a round hole, you cannot be successful using a method that doesn't work for you. Perhaps making tangible flashcards or an online Quizlet alternative helps, or maybe rewriting your notes is what jogs your memory. For one person who might find it useful to make practice tests, another person might enjoy drawing out a mindmap. Check out this list of potentially effective methods, or take this quiz to see what is best for you!
Make time to move
Yes, it's important to buckle down, finish your assignments and make the most of what is seemingly very little time during finals week. But, it's equally important for both your mental and physical health to keep your body moving. While this can be done during designated purposeful breaks, it can also be integrated as a part of your studying. Bring flashcards on a walk with you, or call a friend to help quiz you on material, especially if you're in the same class. Go for a run to brainstorm final project ideas, or count the number of questions you get wrong in a practice test and use this as a number of reps for the exercise of your choice. For every hour of studying you do, allow yourself a five minute dance/stretch break. While these might seem silly, and the movement per option in varying capacities, it isn't only your brain you want to exercise during finals week, but your body too. Moving your body has been proven to help memory and recall, not to mention increase serotonin and dopamine production in the brain, benefitting you in countless ways.
Despite these tips/tricks, I understand finals can still be quite stressful and mentally taxing. From one anxious college student to another, you've got this. Wishing you the best of luck on finals, and a safe, happy and healthy summer ahead!
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