How to stay motivated during exam week
October marks the start of fall; for many students, it also marks the month of the first exam week. If you’ve been easing into the new study year, you now realize things are starting to get serious. Finals and deadlines are the biggest hurdles of studying, and it’s easy to lose motivation. But fear not because we’ve got your back! This article will share some proven tips to help you stay motivated, focused, and thriving during exam week.
Avoid overwhelm
With multiple deadlines planned in a week, you may lose track of your progress. Structure is your best friend and will help you feel in control. While studying, ensure you have clear goals by organizing your agenda and breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. In our articles about time management and how to improve your focus, you’ll find plenty of tips that will kickstart your study sessions.
Ask for help
When facing challenging tasks, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Ask your professors, tutors, or classmates for help. You’ll feel much more confident after sharing your doubts and discussing the subject than if you keep it to yourself.
Schedule downtime
Because finals week is busy and stressful, it’s easy to dive back into your books after an exam. To avoid being overwhelmed, schedule some downtime in between to reset your nervous system. Schedule one to two hours with an activity that fills up your cup. This could be anything that makes you feel good, such as going to yoga, having a sweaty gym session, reading a book, going for a walk with a friend, calling your mom, or taking a warm shower.
Pre-plan your meals
Staying nourished will improve your concentration and energy levels. Finals week is not the time to experiment with 5-course meals, but a simple meal can be just as healthy. Plan some easy dishes you can look forward to, such as pasta pesto with some tomatoes, couscous with vegetables and chicken, or noodles. Get your groceries beforehand, and don’t forget to treat yourself to some (healthy) snacks to energize you.
Stay positive
A positive mindset can work wonders. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on your accomplishments and strengths. You’ve got this! Focus on progress instead of perfection and acknowledge your efforts. Are you finding it challenging to stay positive? Maybe this 5-minute meditation for positivity will make you feel a little better.
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