Spring has finally arrived, and while the allure of warmer weather and summer fun is right around the corner, the most important hurdles of the school year seem higher than ever. Prepping for final exams, AP exams, and standardized tests is enough to make you pull your hair out quicker than the flowers have time to blossom.
Spring fever symptoms include a decreased interest in academics, shorter attention span, and rushing through assignments and projects. Instead of succumbing to this well known academic ailment, try these strategies to make sure the school year is going to end on a very good note:
1. Create a Countdown
Map out class requirements and create a timeline to study for culminating exams like finals, Regents, or APs. Be realistic, and be sure to modify your countdown each day to accommodate for what was or was not completed.
2. Make Deals
Do the least rewarding task first to get it out of the way. Once that’s done, do something fun. Use your friends and take a break! They are probably swamped with studying, too. Set goals with them and once you have both completed the goal, get out and enjoy some time together.
3. Go Outside
There’s no use in studying if you are going to stare out the window and imagine yourself lounging in the grass under a tree. Grab a cup of lemonade and a blanket and hit the books under the warm sun. Spending time outside will decrease your stress levels, too!
4. Talk to Your Teachers
Teachers are there to help. Talk to them about the most effective ways to study for their final exams. If performance in their class is slacking, ask about extra credit. Most teachers appreciate students who show effort to do their best and are willing to help. Just ask!
5. Think About the Future
You can’t get to where you’re going is you don’t keep moving forward. Remind yourself of the goals you set for yourself, slow down, and keep chugging along.