Family obligations, a tough economy, work and plans for summer mix together into a bowl of stress when finals come around. This takes a toll on students and motivation might be lessened during such a hectic week.
Finals week is around the corner and all the work and studying that you might have been putting off is currently screaming and weighing in on you.
If so, you’re not alone.
“I have seven essays due and I haven’t done any of them,” said SRJC student James Karere as he thoughtfully gazed into the quad in front of the library.
Procrastination is the culprit and it manifests to a great enemy if not dealt with immediately and effectively.
“I’ve just realized that I’ve ran out of time to catch up with homework,” said SRJC student Erick Mwangi.
Having a lot of schoolwork in addition to your social life and job can prove overwhelming especially during this week, but there lies a solution to this minor struggle. A few changes to your daily routine might give you the boost to complete the semester in a positive and successful manner.
Studying alone can be a major help, according to David Myers, author of “Psychology in Everyday Life.” “If you’re going to do your best, you have to protect your study time,” he writes.
Along with studying, time management and self-discipline play an important part to the success of any student, Myers writes.
You have to push yourself and do what you might not want to. It sucks, but nothing gets done without will.
“The way I approach finals is I basically do what I want and horn in when things need to be done,” said student Kellan Alexander.
Occasionally, you may pull all-nighters and cram, but this can be detrimental to brain function and overall health.
“After working on a task, then sleeping on it, people solve problems more insightfully than do those who stay awake,” Myers notes.
Aside from sleep, a healthy diet also plays a role in your motivation and overall well-being.
Despite these changes, rewarding yourself is part of the process to tackling any amount of work.
“To motivate yourself when you’re having trouble sticking to your schedule, allow yourself an immediate reward for completing a specific task. If running makes you smile, change your shoes, grab a friend, and head out the door,” Myers writes.
Often things do get tough and you might forget that you have the power to change any situation you’re in. This isn’t the case.
Taking small steps toward a change in routine is all it might take to get back on a journey filled with less stress and more success.