Once again we’ve reached that point in the semester—the end. Unfortunately, this time can also be called “cram time” with uncanny accuracy. Every class has its own final project and final exams looming in the all-too-near future.
With all this work, it’s extremely tempting to just try to get everything done at once, staying up all of the night before a project is due, or studying for that next test for 12 hours straight. But these alluring options may very well lead to your downfall. Even though it might seem otherwise, as the night goes on, your mental faculties become exhausted. Simple little errors may be easily overlooked, and you just may not be able to get that project done. Even worse, while studying for 12 hours you’ll most certainly lose your focus. The average person can only focus for one to two hours before environmental factors become extremely distracting.
The best way to attack this next week would be to try to do as much as possible during your normal waking hours. Don’t destroy your sleep schedule in an attempt to get everything done at once. Start a little early on your studying. Six two-hour periods are a lot more effective than one 12-hour period. Likewise, try to work on your project in shifts. The key thing, though, is to take breaks every hour or so—it will ensure that you can adequately focus.
Just as importantly, make sure you pay attention to the advice Mom gave you before you left home and eat right. You don’t want your immune system giving out just because you haven’t been eating the things you’re supposed to. No, a candy bar will not pass for lunch. No, skipping two of your meals and scheduling dinner for 9 pm will not cut it. Without food your body simply cannot function—don’t try to take a shortcut by skipping the nutrition.
Stepping off of our soapbox, we wish you the best of luck on all your final projects and exams. Remember, it’s not that much longer—hang in there.
