Don’t Let Finals Get You Down: How to Stay Motivated During Exams
Young woman studying at a coffee shop
The end of the school year is full of stress and exams, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it enjoyable. Staying motivated during this period of intense studying can be a challenge, but we do have some tips to help you stay on top of things and ace your finals.
1. Start Early:
Procrastination is the enemy of any study plan. Make sure to start studying well in advance of your exams instead of waiting until the last minute. This will give you ample time to go over all the material and provide a better understanding.
The struggle with finals for most students is that you have so many tests all at once. If you start studying early, it will help eliminate most of the stress attached to the many tests that coexist.
2. Develop a Study Plan:
Have a plan for each subject you’re studying, breaking it down into manageable chunks that you can tackle one at a time. This will make it easier to stay on track and keep your motivation levels high.
When you have a study plan, it’s so much easier to get things done and stick to your schedule. If there is no plan, studying can fall to the wayside if you aren’t careful. If your finals are approaching, write down your plan now. You will feel so much more prepared.
3. Don’t Over-Study:
It’s natural to want to review as much material as possible but overdoing it can be counterproductive.
Overstudying can actually have negative effects on your test performance. When you study too much, you can start to feel overwhelmed and stressed out, which can lead to tension headaches or even nausea. In addition, overstudying can cause you to become so familiar with the material that you stop seeing it as new information, leading to lower grades.
It’s important to find a good balance when it comes to studying. You don’t want to under-study but you also don’t want to overdo it and wear yourself down. Find what works best for you and stick to that schedule.
Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and refocus, or find time for a fun activity to take your mind off of studying.
4. Make Your Apartment Feel Homey:
Being away from home during the holidays and finals can feel stressful, but doing your best to make your apartment feel homey will go a long way in helping you be more comfortable and more motivated in your study efforts.
Studies have shown that feeling comfortable can boost motivation levels and increase productivity. Make sure to add some cozy touches to your apartment like candles, pictures, plants, etc. so you feel at home while studying.
5. Reward Yourself:
Set small rewards for yourself after finishing another chunk of studying or mastering a concept. This could be anything from a delicious snack to a few minutes on the couch watching your favorite show. It’s important to reward yourself and stay motivated during this stressful time.
Finals can be daunting, but staying motivated and pushing through is key to success. With these tips, you’ll be able to stay on top of your studies and ace all of your exams. Good luck!
