The end of any semester semester brings stress for students. It seems every assignment for every class is now due. What can students do to keep calm and finish strong?
Make a list of all the assignment you have to finish before the end of the semester, and what days they are due. See if your workplace can alter your work schedule for exams.
Don’t wait until the last minute to do assignment. Work on assignments that are worth more points first. Communicate with your professors early, not after a deadline, especially if you have a problem.
Don’t skip meals. According to an article posted by The Protective Engineer, eat before you study.
“Eating before a meal will support the brain function to be able to focus and concentrate on your studying. Your brain needs enough nutrients to be able to function correctly and optimally. Lack of nutrients can lead to reduced focus and brain function. The more essential nutrients you have in you, the more energy you will have for brain function. If your brain isn’t getting enough blood flow to it, it will have to work harder, and it will also work slower. You’ll need to make sure you maintain a balance to be at peak functionality.”
See the whole article at https://theproductiveengineer.net/is-it-better-to-study-before-or-after-eating-what-the-research-says/
Don’t skip sleep. Sleep is like hitting save on your brain. Take breaks when necessary, and it is always necessary.
Exercise is good. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, “regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills.”
“In a study done at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart and your sweat glands pumping, appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Resistance training, balance and muscle toning exercises did not have the same results.”
See the whole article at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
Try music as background noise to prevent things from being too quiet while you are working. There could be other steps that work better for you. Don’t try to do too much at once.
If you are on the Huntsville campus, the International Club will be handing out free hot cocoa on Monday, December 6th from 10 am to 2 pm in the Sparkman building Grand Foyer.