Finals season is here and if you’re like me, you might be struggling to study for 4 finals. The poor engineering students have probably 6 finals and a robot to build. So here are some tips that can really give you a boost in this finals season.
Study during “daytime”
I quote daytime because its winter and is going to be dark early, but try to study in natural light. Our surroundings have an impact on our work and sitting in a dark room won’t help you study, and your eyes are going to suffer.
“Those with windows in the workplace received 173% more white light exposure during work hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night.†Researchers at the interdepartmental neuroscience program at Northwestern University conducted a direct correlation between productivity and natural light.
Only study in periods of 90 minutes
You need to relax when it comes to studying – sit down at your favorite place where you feel comfortable. Mine are the cubicles with the windows at the Main Library, it is private and you have natural light coming in, plus you have plugs to charge your computer.
Start working on a study guide so you are not overwhelmed with all the content you have to study.
Work for 90 minutes with a 20-minute rest in between. While resting, don’t forget to send that streak with the caption “ugh finals†and probably add the timing sticker too. We both know that working five hours nonstop it’s not efficient.
Try not to multitask between projects and studying
It’s that time of the semester where you find yourself with 4 different projects due, and you want to start studying for your finals (there are some crazy students that do that). Nevertheless, try to list out the top ones that are due so you can start working on them.
This leaves you with less stress, and remember: your brain cannot take 2 tasks at a time, so take it easy! If you are short on time, you may have to pull an all-nighter, but that’s what you get when you decided to spend your time binge-watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Take a nap
Yes, you read it right – but I’m talking 20-minute naps, not a five-hour nap that you wake up more confused than ever.
A short nap (no more than 30 minutes) can have a range of positive effects, as it helps with cognition, memory, performance and general alertness.
We regret now of not napping enough in kindergarten like we actually need a short nap so you can keep alive.
Wish for the best
I hope this tips help you during this cold time of the semester but remember Christmas is just a couple weeks away.
