Once the semester has dwindled down to disheveled book pages and empty highlighters, the week of all-nighters has come.
As the study guides roll in, it’s time to coordinate study groups and break out the books. It’s important to consider mixing up study methods to secure your “A” as we revert back to our usual study habits of flash cards and mini quiz sessions.
Senior communications major Alex Jimenez adds a little fun to her study sessions to reduce some of her stress.
“My best friend and I will record ourselves making rap songs,” Jimenez said. “We have videos of ourselves since freshman year saying the most random stuff at 2 a.m., and we are so delusional.” Jimenez might be on the right track with her musical study breaks.
The Huffington Post reported that listening to music like Mozart’s compositions can maximize your study time. Mozart’s music follows a 60 beats per minute pattern, activating both the right and left sides of your brain. When both sides of your brain are active or stimulated, your recollection improves and increases the likelihood of retaining relevant information.
Jimenez isn’t the only student getting creative during her study break. Sophomore biochemistry major Annabelle Cantu lets her sweet tooth lead her focus.
“I eat ice cream because it makes me less stressed out,” Cantu said. “It’s a tie between chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough.”
It may just sound like stress-related indulgence, but Cantu may inadvertently be on to something.
Cocoa beans are loaded with antioxidants that enhance both cognitive ability and moods. To skip the sugar crash, take advantage of cocoa’s super power and add organic cocoa powder into hot milk. Add a dash of some cinnamon, espresso and cayenne pepper to help get that paper done in no time.
If you’re not a fan of music or sweets when you study, don’t be afraid to spice up your study routine in your own way. Staying in one place can stunt your memory; so try these simple study tips to help ease the pain of finals.
Study in chunks: The Dartmouth Academic Skills Center suggests studying in 20 to 50 minute increments, giving yourself a 5 to 10 minute break between each session.
Manage your time: We have all heard this one, but try and let it sink in this time around. Getting organized, and prioritizing your tasks is a more efficient way to work. Think of how nice it will be to cross assignments off of your to-do list, one by one.
Build on what you know: Studying what you know first will ease you into studying harder material. When you can start to associate new information with familiar information, your study guides and concepts become more comprehensible.
From rap sessions to warm cups of cocoa, hopefully you are able to find a way to alleviate some of your stress and finish finals week strong.
