Studying effectively during the holidays!

With Christmas and finals around the corner, there is much joy and nerves piling up!

Here are a few personal tips to get through the exam season around the holidays:

1. Make a schedule. Setting a schedule is crucial so you can set apart time for friends and family but also for your studies! The best schedules are ones that include 20 min breaks every two hours. The earlier you start the better!

2. Make sure you eat and sleep well. Eating and sleeping well are not only crucial to studying effectively but also maintaining a healthy life style. It effects the efficiency with which you study as well! With a full 8-10 hours of sleep you can finish a task in perhaps half an hour that previously might have taken you an hour to complete on less sleep. My favourite study snacks include pretzels, apples, hot chocolate, tea, heated croissants, and chicken sandwiches!

3. Do NOT study on the main holidays. Trust me on this. Studying on christmas eve will not only feel not great but also leave you feeling unfulfilled after the holidays. you want to come back from holiday feeling refreshed and ready to take on another period of studying well!! Revision is fine but make sure to sit back, relax, and actually enjoy your break.

4. Group/Pair Study. Studying with like-minded and even smart class mates is always a good idea. It can offer motivation and allow you to discuss confusions and contents. Better yet, you should teach other as well!! Nothing will make you learn and understand content better than explaining it to someone. 

5. Use the pomodoro technique to get started. This technique involves studying 25 minute intervals followed by a 5 minute break. This is great to get started when you feeling unmotivated or like you are procrastinating. Before you know it, you won't need this technique anymore!!

6. Put on a study with me on YouTube. Study with me videos are what got me through some of my most difficult examination sessions. They make you feel like you are not alone and you feel motivated once you see someone studying on your screen as well!

In conclusion these are my top tips for getting through this exam season!! I hope this helps. Happy Studying and Merry Christmas!