This week I start a new semester and I'm not feeling it, at all. So if you're like me and need a little help to get through it, here's a list of things to keep in mind:
Blocking when you have classes and what's free time in a visual way is super helpful for figuring out how to plan your semester.
Another important thing is getting the sylabus for your courses so you know how to prioritize; plan realistic study sessions so you can stay on course as much as possible.
Remember to separate big tasks into smaller tasks not only so it's easier to organize but also because it's easier to feel accomplished and staying motivated :)
Be realistic with your goals and limitations
Knowing yourself is super important; plan according to what you know YOU can handle. Dedicate more time to things you struggle the most with, prioritize the harder subjects.
Don't forget that everyone has different limits, and don't compare yourself and your progress to others! Your own pace is the only thing that matters.
Take breaks and time for yourself
Remember not everything is about studying. If you use all your time and energy on school, it's easier to get burnt out. Dedicate time for yourself, take frecuent breaks between study sessions, clear your head with series o a book; I promise coming back to the material and concentrating will be so much easier.
I cannot stress this enough: ASK. Ask about everything you didn't understand; ask them to explain something again; evacuate your doubts as often as you can, even if they seem silly. Professors usually have available office hours or emails where you can contact them, and they also apreciate a lot when it seems you are putting the effort.
Also! Asking questions and participating in class makes it easier for you to remember and absorb the information you're learning.
I'm not the biggest fan of studying with other people, but sometimes it's super helpful knowing a few classmates whom which you can share and compare notes and doubts, motivation and frustrations. Revising with someone else can be useful to check what material you need to study more or test what you already studied.
A pinterest moodboard, thematic playlists, searching for applications or fun facts about what you're studying, MAKING IT FUN, rewarding ourselves after every goal reached. It's super important to, again, not getting burnt out and losing the drive to finish the semester.
Sometimes we forget how important eating and sleeping well is for academic performance.
Don't skip your meals! And have snacks laying around when you're studying. Eating or drinking something substantial every few hourse helps energize your brain so it can process what you're learning.
Resting enough hours is also essential to maximize the efficiency of studying. Sleeping well and plenty helps you concentrate better, retain information easier and think more clearly.
Discipline is key to get the results we want, even if sometimes we have to sacrifice free time or more compelling activities. Stay on track, follow the plan and don't give up easily. Remember what you're doing it for.
