Tip to Beat Exam Stress
By Anna Jones
With midterms right around the corner, everyone is beyond stressed. Although a little bit of stress can be a good thing, everyone knows that if you get too worried, disaster is inevitable. Here are a few tips to beat the strain of midterms.
1. Set out a schedule
If you go to the library with the intent of studying everything you’ve ever learned, chances are you won’t be very productive. Instead, plan out your studying time. Devote an hour to focusing on Spanish verb conjugations, an hour to memorizing history dates and an hour to outlining your English essay. If you really focus on each topic during its assigned hour, you’ll learn exactly what you need.
2. Take breaks
It’s important to stop studying sometimes. After hours of cramming, you will reach a point where you just can’t take in any more information. When you hit this point, stop. You end up being less productive and learn less overall if you don’t take breaks periodically. Even just 10 minutes to get up and walk around, get a snack or some water can be extremely helpful.
3. Do what works for you
If you work well in groups, try to organize a study group with a few friends from your class. Having other people to explain confusing concepts or even exchange ideas can be really valuable. If you know you’ll do better by studying on your own, do that instead. (Even if your classmates are pushing really hard for you to be in their study group.) It’s important to know what study tactics work for you and use them to your advantage.
4. Eat right
Although it can be tempting to stock up on brownies and goo cake from the Bostwick Marketplace to nibble on while studying, eating healthy foods during exams is very important. Fruits, vegetables and protein give your brain fuel and help avoid crashes while studying. Plus, you won’t feel guilty after four hours of snacking on carrots.
5. Work out
Exercise can be a great study break. If you feel yourself falling asleep while in the library, get up and go to the gym. It will help get your blood flowing and energize you to finish your studying. If you feel like you have too much to study and can’t take time off to go work out, bring a book with you. You can read your geography textbook or study math formulas while on the stationary bike, which kills two birds with one stone.
6. Sleep
This is probably the most important tip on the list. Many studies show that students do better on exams if they are well-rested. Your brain actually organizes the information you’ve studied while you’re sleeping, so it’s important to get rest. Although studying 24/7 seems really important, sleep is even more of a priority. Plus who wants to fall asleep during the middle of an exam?
7. Do something fun
Last semester, my friends and I went out to dinner at Elizabeth’s right before finals. Getting out of the library to have a good meal was so much fun and got my mind off of the impending exams. Allowing yourself to indulge in a fun night out with friends can help you feel calmer and do better on your exams!