As many of us are too aware, finals season is upon us. As we run around like chickens with our heads cut off, scrambling to get all of our assorted projects, essays, and exams accomplished, our professors cheer us on and advise us on how to survive this tumultuous time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for a place to start being productive, Theatre Professor Neena McLain, recommends making a list of all of your assignments and breaking down the order you complete them by priority. Consider what assignments are due first as well as the significance of how they will impact your grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing feels better than when you mark things off,\u201d Professor McLain says, \u201cIf it\u2019s all rolling around in your head, it can be overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although all-night cram sessions are the go-to study strategy of many students, professors discourage this. Instead, they recommend starting early and studying in intervals, taking breaks between each interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Greg Schneller, a psychology professor explains, \u201cOur brains are not built to focus intensely for long periods of time. Try a twenty-ten study strategy. Study for twenty minutes, then take a ten minute break and do something else. The ten minutes can serve as a reward for the twenty minutes of intense focus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During those breaks you can take a walk like Professor McLain, write in a journal like English Professor Cole Thompson, or engage in breathing exercises like Dr. Schneller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI use slow, intentional breathing when I find myself feeling very stressed,\u201d Dr. Schneller says, \u201cAccompanying this, I say brief, repetitive prayers with each breath. For example, \u2018You are my strength, Lord,\u2019 while inhaling [and] \u2018You are in control,\u2019 while exhaling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can focus on your work while being with friends, Professor Cole Thompson suggests students to study in groups, \u201cIt can add some fellowship and fun to studying. Plus, other students may contribute notes or insights that will benefit you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that finals are not the end of the world and your health is worth more than your grade. Sleep is shown to improve memory and information retention, so make sure you get adequate rest. Eat well and drink plenty of water. If you wear down your body, your mind will not work at full capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Greg Schneller says, \u201cYou can do more than you feel that you can. We all feel tired from a difficult year, but we have only a few laps left in this race. Even when you feel like you cannot go anymore, you usually can, just one step at a time. Finish strong even if you don\u2019t feel like it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStay strong through finals,\u201d Professor Thompson says, \u201cPut forth your best effort, and know that fun activities await, and that you will enjoy those activities more if you can look back on a successful spring semester.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are studying notes, completing projects, or writing papers, I wish all of us luck on our future endeavors. We\u2019ll get through this!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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