In addition to essays and assignments, midterm season gifts students with exams upon exams and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. With so much on the go and your stress levels in over-drive, the Sheaf has put together some midterm study tips to help you make it through these trying times.

First on the list of tips is to take a break from studying when needed and exercise. Sitting for hours is not only hard on your mind but also on your body. When you feel restless and just can’t concentrate anymore, take a break and get your body moving. Go for a run, to a dance class, to the gym or just dance around in your room for a little awhile.

Of course, in the midst of exams it feels difficult to take away from your studying time. However, even going for a 15-minute walk around the library or campus is a great way to fit in a little exercise and take a break from studying and sitting.

Next on the list of midterm studying tips is to find a study buddy. Although everyone studies differently, a highly effective way to learn your class material is to talk through it aloud with a classmate. Reach out to others in your class, or send a mass email and ask if anyone wants to form a study group — most of the time, there are a couple of people who would love to do this. If you are feeling too shy to ask a classmate, ask a friend or family member — and if they say no, resort to reading your notes aloud on your own. It may sound weird, but I find it extremely helpful, so hopefully you do too.

Third on the list is to take one thing at a time and mindfully concentrate on it. Whether your essay or exam is more time pressing, know what to prioritize and concentrate on it the most for either that day or the allotted time you have assigned it. Be adaptive to your stress and anxiety by bringing focus to your work and getting things done. There is no better way to tackle stress about midterms than to study — it’s as simple as that.

Fourth on the list is to find or create an awesome study playlist. If you don’t feel like creating your own playlist, it’s as simple as searching for one — literally. Anything from instrumental to classic to rock, 8tracks.com is a great option for finding a study playlist online. You can search tag words that best suit the type of music you’d like, so you can find the best playlist for you.

If you feel like being a bit more creative or are picky about the tunes you listen to, try making your own study playlist. Just be careful, don’t pick music that will distract you from studying and leave you dancing around your house for a couple of hours.

Last on the list of study tips is to find a place to study with minimal distractions. When studying at home, I often find myself wondering whether the fridge or DVD shelf has been cleaned or organized recently. Of course, I then have to indulge this thought, so I go and check on whatever it was I was thinking about and even if it isn’t that messy, I’ll clean it. Next thing you know, it’s hours later and the house is the cleanest it’s ever been, but you’ve made no progress on your school work.

The point is, there are a lot of distractions that will either find you or that you will find when studying — so it’s best to find somewhere where you can study with minimal distraction.

Good luck on your midterms and happy studying!

—

Bridget Morrison / Culture Editor

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor