The Key to Anti-Stress Studying

By Tyler F

We’ve all seen that kid whose priorities don’t dictate their success. The one who sits in the back row and takes only half of the notes. They cram before the exam and forget everything right after. Somehow, they aced it. The fact that they crammed and got it is incredible. However, looking at the scores across the board, their overall grade might not look so great.

Understandably, most people find themselves acting like this to some degree. It usually comes around when reading the book and taking notes signifies a special ring of hell. Making flashcards physically hurts. And the effort put into staying focused is far greater than the information alone entails. Studying doesn’t seem realistic until the night before the test.

If studying became a priority, students would find that most of the information taught in class isn’t too complicated to understand. Especially when before the exam, any given student might have never seen all the material in one place.

It is difficult to do, but under the right system, the day before the exam could be spent watching a movie and focusing on relaxing. That is, instead of dying under the strain and anxiety of an all-nighter.

Just like going to the gym, the way to make something slightly painful possible, is getting used to it. Studying every day -without getting distracted- has to become a habit.

The best way to do make the habit is to add a credit to your schedule. Call it study hall or private time, whatever; so long as you add a block of time to study during the day. It’s tough to do and may seem like a waste, but there is no such thing as spending too much time studying. All classes are curved so think of the curve as being based off the number of hours put into the test.

If your schedule does not allow it, people do skip class to study! Ultimately, only you are the judge of what’s the best way to spend your time. If the professor’s lecture is boring and predictable, reading the chapter and making nerdy academic rhymes may be better preparation.

The last important component of the best study habit, believe it or not, is wanting to take the exam. Coming into the room already frustrated and fatigued from a night of coffee binging and back cramps is no way to address any situation -much less one that will impact the outcome of the semester. Once the material is understood, it is important to be confident and relax. After the test you can exert that pent up stress. Before it, try to minimize those feelings by watching a movie or reading a book. This way, feeling good and clear minded, you are ready to ace the exam.

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