Joseph NguyenThere is resource after resource on how to study for finals in efficient ways. This article is not one of those resources. Rather, it’s five ways to enjoy yourself as you study. Finals prep can be fun if we do it right.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as earning a good grade. It is important to study the course content you do not understand, but this can become dry and uninteresting. So to combat this loss of interest, you can spend some free time reviewing your course content, eat your favourite snacks, and reward yourself in between studying periods. This can refresh your memory of that content as well as reignite your motivation to study.
1. Keep participating in your regular recreational activities
It is easy to let studying take over your life during finals season. If you do nothing but study, you will likely burn out and lose interest in the content. By being active, playing your favourite video games, or practicing your hobbies, you can refresh your mind and take care of yourself.
2. Regularly hang out with friends
Your life is more than books. While it is important to study, it is also important to make time for things you love, including spending time with your friends. Activities with friends can be as simple as going for coffee on a study break. This can relieve stress and give your mind the break it needs to start studying again.
3. Review your favourite course content
Studying can seem endless, but I promise, your degree is worth it. You have chosen your program for a reason. But there will undoubtedly be parts of courses that bore you or are especially difficult. Instead of getting discouraged, you can revisit your favourite course content. It is a great way to remind yourself of why you are taking your degree. It provides a break from the difficult content, and can make you fall back in love with your courses.
4. Eat your favourite study snacks
Studying can be awful, and while taking breaks is enjoyable, at some point, we do have to sit down with our books. A way to enjoy ourselves as we study includes eating our favourite study snacks. These snacks can be healthy and delicious. Food fuels us. There are many recipes online for snacks with chocolate, your favourite fruit, and other delicious items that fuel your mind as you study. Check them out!
5. Reward your successes
As work piles up, it can be hard to see your progress, but every flash card makes a difference. To recognize your progress, you can reward yourself for reaching different studying goals. For example, after a night of studying, you can make a bowl of popcorn and watch your favourite movie. Finals are difficult, but you can do this.
