Finals week is upon us! Since spring break, students have been struggling to get back into the rhythm of things. This final stretch can be hectic for a lot of students. During this stressful time, there are a few resources on campus that students can take advantage of, as well as some tips that all students should know!
First off, spring means warmer weather. While Andrews’ weather wildly fluctuates a lot of the time, eventually warmer weather will ensue. When it does, it’ll be important to go out and get some vitamin D. Seasonal depression can get many students down, but I encourage everyone to spend some time outside and soak up the much-needed vitamin D, which can improve your immune system and actually help you sleep at night! While being in the sunlight does much more for the human body, I believe these two effects are the most beneficial for students right now. Taking the opportunity to study, read, or play a sport outside is uplifting. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the smaller things. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s not worth something.
Additionally, studying may consume a good portion of students. Studying for any final exam is nerve-racking, but having some good study tips under your belt is always useful. One such study tip is to use the Feynman technique. This technique is a learning concept you can utilize to comprehend just about anything you desire. There are four simple steps:
- Choose a concept to learn
- Teach said concept to yourself (or someone else)
- Return to the source material if you get stuck
- Simplify your explanations and create analogies
And that’s about it! If you want to learn more in-depth about this amazing study technique, feel free to search online.
Secondly, there is the energy cycle. Human beings have their own energy cycles throughout the day, meaning the time of day in which their energy is high versus when it hits a low. Figure out what your energy cycle looks like, do maximum work within the high energy times, then expand this time frame. Rescheduling to increase productivity will allow you to set longer cycles.
Thirdly, we have the blurting method! This is a great memory technique that strengthens the information in your long-term memory.
- Get your notes in order
- Familiarize yourself with the topic
- Blurt it out! Start writing down everything you can remember from your notes
- Fix your work
- Do it again
- Don’t forget to take breaks
These study techniques are helpful for anyone who wants to learn and understand a new concept – not just students here at Andrews! It’s hard to study when you don’t have a rhythm or way of studying that works best for you. People learn differently, so aside from the techniques I have offered, it is important for you to discover which way your brain retains information best! This may be by reading, listening, or hands-on activities.
Lastly, if you’re good in the studying department, and you’re just trying to get through the semester in one piece, whatever it is you may be focusing your attention on – I highly recommend the sauna in the Andreason Center for Wellness. The sauna relaxes the muscles, which may be holding onto the stress you feel. Experts recommend longer than ten to twenty minutes for optimal relaxation. This can also relieve some mental strain. Taking time out of your day to treat your body right by taking it to the sauna is a rewarding experience.
All in all, we are all on our own paths of advancement and a prosperous future. People may struggle in the same way, whether that be with stress, not getting enough vitamins, lacking sleep, etc. Leaning on each other and sharing our experiences can be a powerful thing. Always remember that you are not alone in your progression, and there are outlets and options that can aid you in your success!
Sources (in order of underlined sections)
- https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/healthy-periods/sleep-sunshine-vitamin-d
- https://todoist.com/inspiration/feynman-technique
- https://yourtimetogrow.com/increasing-productivity-using-your-energy-cycle/
- https://www.bcu.ac.uk/exams-and-revision/best-ways-to-revise/the-blurting-method#:~:text=Blurting%20involves%20writing%20down%20all,ve%20missed%20or%20got%20wrong.
- https://mysaunaworld.com/blogs/my-sauna-world-blog/how-long-should-you-stay-in-a-sauna
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.