Week 7

Welcome Readers!
I’m trying something a little different this week and writing this before the week goes by instead of at the end of the week. There is a reason for this new method, midterms weeks. If you are taking the time out of your last week before break to read this blog I thank you and I realize how stressed you may be. It has reached that time, mid semester, when the midterms are given and suddenly you realize how quickly time is passing by. At this point in the semester is when many people really begin to worry about grades however; you have to keep in mind that stressing yourself will not help you in anyway.
This week I want to remind you of some key pointers to help you succeed on your midterms.

Let’s begin with something that many of us (I include myself because I used to think this way too) feel we can do without when we have a lot of work or studying to do, sleeping. We neglect our sleeping schedules and instead of sleeping, we take naps at night or pull all nighters. At the time we feel this is the best choice because we have a lot of material to review but it hurts us more than it helps. It has been proven that when the mind is tired it can only retain so much. By denying ourselves sleep, and assuming anything we study while tired will stick with us, we are only lying to ourselves. The mind does not retain or properly hold materials needed when tired. You can think you are studying and remembering what you are reading but in most cases what truly happens is that when it comes time to recall what you studied, while sleepless you, will not be able to. Most blank out on what was read while there was lack of sleep. This is not the case for everyone, but I do recommend that everyone get at least 5 hours of sleep a night. If anything instead of staying up late studying then sleeping in till the exam I recommend a slightly different approach. What has proved successful for me is to go to sleep earlier than I expected sleep my 5 hours and then wake up early in the morning to continue studying. This way you give your mind a chance to rest before making it work once again in the morning. Remember we NEED sleep to function.

Along with a sleeping suggestion let me offer an eating suggestion. Many students (and I have heard it often) give the excuse that they “forget” to eat because they are so busy studying. Let me remind students that your body needs food to function. It is what gives you energy and keeps you healthy. If anything, when you are cutting back on your sleeping you should make sure you get in all your meals because if not you leave yourself more susceptible to catch a bug or cold going around. You need to keep your immune system up by nourishing your body. Make sure you eat your three meals a day and if you have an 8 am exam try and eat something before you go. For many people this is too early in the morning but even if it’s a piece of fruit you are assuring yourself a little bit of push towards success on your exam.

I do realize that many of us have four to five exams this week and a side effect of this situation is more likely than not, stress. Stress prevents us from thinking clearly and concentrating on what we are studying. We have so much going on in our thoughts worrying about all out other exams and things we have to do that technically “blocks” out mind from retaining what you read. If you find yourself stressed, take a “mind clearing” break. This would be a perfect opportunity to grab some food (hint hint). Find your stress relief; for some things include going to the gym, watching TV, going for a run, or listening to music. Whatever be your stress relief, allow yourself 30 minutes of it. Give your brain a chance to rest without having to think of books or classes for a least a half hour. Chances are that when you come back from your study break your mind will be slightly clearer and studying will seem just a little bit easier.
With these pointers said I wish you all the best of luck on midterms =)