You’re almost at the finish line of the semester. To survive and succeed during finals week, remember to balance studying with self-care. Here are our tips for acing your tests while staying healthy.
- Don’t procrastinate your studying
It may be tempting to procrastinate studying until the night before an exam. However, pulling an all nigher usually results in tired students and poor exam scores. Start studying for your finals a few weeks before your first exam and set aside time each day for every subject. Studying 45 minutes a day for one week is more effective for memory retention than trying to cram all the material into one night.
- Work with a study group
Studying with a group of classmates will keep you motivated and on task. Plan some review sessions with your peers to go over class material before the exam. You can quiz each other and solve problems together. After all, two heads are better than one.
- Don’t sacrifice your sleep
You can spend hours studying, but it won’t be effective unless you make time for adequate rest. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation leads to memory, thinking and focus problems. Ensuring you get enough sleep will enhance your brain’s capacity to concentrate, resulting in better focus and stellar exam outcomes.
- Take breaks
Taking breaks instead of studying for hours straight is more effective for energy and productivity. Build a few breaks of at least 5 minutes into your next study session to refresh your brain. Take a quick walk, enjoy a snack, or do a few stretches or breathing exercises to come back to your desk more energized and engaged.
- Healthy body = a happy brain
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your brain happy. Studies have shown that the following foods are important for brain health and mental performance: berries, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, nuts, eggs and avocados. Consider adding a few of these brain-stimulating snacks to your next meal.
Good Luck!
Finals week doesn’t have to be stressful. If you hit the books and treat your brain and body with care, you will set yourself up for success.