The absolute worst season of the year is exam season. There’s no negotiating, it’s the worst. After a long year of stress, freedom is so close…yet so far. Staying motivated and getting through every one of your last exams is such a difficult task. Here are some tips to help you study, and keep from losing your mind!

Laugh…a lot!

Ever find yourself laughing (sometimes not even that hard) and tears start to roll down your cheek? This happens to be an every day occurrence for me. Well apparently, since all our emotions are some how connected (~science~) when we suppress emotions such as sadness and stress, they find new ways to surface. So sometimes your laughter tears are your body’s way of releasing stress or sadness.

Exams = stress…take a break and watch a funny video. Release as much laughter tears as you can and get back to work!

Choose your study groups wisely 

As convenient or fun it can be studying with your friends, it might not be the best option. You’re more likely to get distracted and waste time. Study with people who are at a similar knowledge level so you can work together at the same pace and support each other. I tend to avoid studying with people who are geniuses in a course because it actually ends up stressing me out when I can’t keep up with them!

Avoid study banks for math courses

When it comes to courses that involve a lot of formulas its important to fully understand what you’re doing to solve the problem. As fantastic as having solutions is when you’re practicing, many people tend to memorize the solutions rather than learn the steps to solve the formula. Once you get into the exam the questions won’t be exactly the same, so the solutions won’t be either.

Get fresh air and exercise

Ew…working out is probably the last thing you’re worried about during exams…that’s not what I’m suggesting! Simply going for a walk outside is all you need to clear your mind, move around, and get some oxygen to your brain! You’ll be more focused when you get back to the books and think way more clearly. A 10 minute walk in between studying will make a HUGE difference!

Talk yourself through it

You have the power to motivate yourself, keep yourself on track, and change your mindset. Talk yourself through the studying, remind yourself that you’re almost done. Use the power of your mind to push yourself through to summer vacation. It sounds so silly, but trust me talking to yourself actually works. Imagine a little cartoon version of yourself sitting on your shoulder giving you little pep talks during exam season. You’re almost there. You can do it. I believe it you.

Try out these tips and let us know which ones worked best for you! Good luck, you’re almost finished!!

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