t’s hard to believe that it’s almost March already – it feels like the semester just started. Le sigh, the time for midterm exams is upon us! We already know you’ll crush them, but we also know how important it is for you to take care of yourself during this stressful time in your academic journey. Just remember, you got this! This week, we want to give you some tips on how to prepare for those midterms in a healthy way.
Nourish both the Mind & Body
Just like your physical health, your mental health is not something to be ignored. Both aspects of your well-being are extremely significant, and require sufficient nourishment. If one part suffers, the other tends to follow suit. It can become a vicious cycle that is difficult for anyone to break, especially for full time students with limited spare time or spare cash.
Get plenty of sleep:
Depriving yourself of sleep affects both your physical and mental health. Try your best to get as much sleep as you can while you’re preparing for your midterms.
Avoid all-nighters:
Sometimes, a last minute cram session is unavoidable. However, that does not mean that you should be staying up all night studying. If you have to do it, then at least make sure that you do not make a habit of it. A sleep debt will start to build and the damage this will do to you is just not worth it. Plus, you’ll likely do worse on your exams if you are not well rested. There is only so much information the brain can retain, especially when already sleep-deprived.
Plan your study time:
Plan your study sessions in advance and work them into your schedule. Keep study sessions short and take frequent breaks. Categorize your material into small, easily digestible chunks of time. Take breaks to stay sane – it will help you focus better in the long run. The human brain can’t really stay concentrated on one thing with 100% dedication and for extended periods of time.
Stay hydrated and well-fed:
Be intentional and mindful with your diet while preparing for exams. Make sure to properly hydrate and to eat well (or, as well as you can afford to on a college student’s budget). Instead of snacking on junk, try some fruits & veggies as well as protein. Smart food can be brain food, after all.
Make time for self-care:
It’s so important that you make time for self-care and that you take that regimen seriously. It may seem impossible to do because when studying for exams, everything feels so urgent. Just remember to slow down, take a deep breath, and take some time out of your busy day to do nice things for yourself that make you smile. Your future self will thank you for it.