Final’s season seemed like such a long time ago, and now that it’s here… it still does. With our flights back home in mind, I often forget how much there is to be done before embarking on the journey back. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of the November and December months as students, so here are five ways that can calm you down and also get you back on your feet so you can lock in…
1. Create a list
Visualizing is key. Writing down all your exams, projects, or essays on a piece of paper and sticking it somewhere prominent, like in front of your desk, can help you achieve tunnel vision. A critical aspect of this is also writing down the dates, so you know what to prioritize. The main issue often is feeling crammed and overwhelmed, asking, what do I start with? That’s just a starting point, you can create keys if you wish. For example, green highlighter for tasks you are confident in, yellow for ones you need to improve on. Pro tip: no matter the difference in due dates, do what you feel least confident in first. I realize that once I start something I have been dreading, I get into a flow and I feel accomplished once I’m done.
2. Set a goal
“I’ll start now at 5:30 and finish at 6:30”. Enough of the time-based goals. Studying for a set amount of time and stopping—even if you still don’t understand the material—is not productive. Instead, start on a topic and close the chapter once you’ve thoroughly understood it. Of course, it’s also not healthy to study for 2+ hours straight, so take this advice with a grain of salt. Take breaks when you feel like it, but do so appropriately. For example, you’re halfway done with an essay but want to go to your friend’s house. Finish the essay first, then leave!
3. Distractions away
Your phone is often your worst enemy. Doom scrolling has become toxic, unhealthy and an addictive trend. Sometimes I don’t even want to be on my phone, but I feel like I have to be, which says a lot. So, lock the phone, or whatever your greatest distraction is away. Put it in another room, on a shelf, behind an object, so that you’d really have to work for it to get it. This may seem excessive, but you’ll thank me when you’ve forced yourself to finish that project in under an hour. You don’t realize how fast and efficient you can be without picking up your phone every five minutes.
4. A change of environment
Being in the same place, surrounded by the same things for an entire weekend is bound to take a toll on your mind. No wonder we get distracted—we can’t help but look for them. A popular IE favorite of Segovia is Granier, a cafe located in both Plaza Mayor and near The Aqueduct. With free Wi-Fi, charging spots, and tables that overlook a nice view, it’s sure to give a burst of productivity compared to staring at your wall. Furthermore, getting up and walking to the cafe can do wonders too. Walks help clear your mind; the one moment when you shouldn’t think of your work—or anything really—just take in your surroundings and the beautiful sunset ahead. This brings me to my fifth and final step…
5. Don’t overwork yourself!
As a second-year student, it’s only normal to feel like it is an absolute requirement to punish yourself with endless studying. The truth is that you won’t reach your best potential if you are constantly overworking yourself. Breaks are just as important, whether it’s a walk, the gym, meditation, or anything else. Fuel is crucial here, so don’t forget to eat well and drink plenty of water. Your mind is already retaining so much information, that your body should have a reward system too.
With that, I wish everyone the best of luck for finals and a very happy holiday. Remember, your hard work will pay off and you will soon be able to celebrate the end of this semester with loved ones. The holidays are times to rest and recharge. May 2025 bring a new light to us all!
