Keep Calm and Patriot On

So the last two weeks have been very, very tough. I had my first microbiology exam, followed by a lab exam, with a statistics project and exam due within a week of each other, a music exam, with - last but not least- my political science exam.  It is as though my professors all consulted each other and said, “Let her take ALL the tests!” The wonders of being a nursing major indeed. 

I just know that this is what goes in those emails

The good news is that this upcoming week should be pretty smooth sailing, with only the standard, every day class quizzes. This is why it is important to stay up on your reading! Some classes will do these every day quizzes, and as long as you are staying up on your work, these are easy A points in the grade book. Here are some tips to get you through these “storm” weeks and into a “zen” week, where there’s little pressure. 

I love the little bridge!

1.       Whenever you find yourself just enjoying the scenery or watching a commercial, pull out your laptop and do a quiz right quick. If you don’t have time to do a quiz, briefly go over your notes for the quiz as a quick refresher for when you do have time to take it. That way you don’t have to watch the same commercials 20 times J it takes your mind off of the monotony and then bam! Suddenly you realize your show is back on!
2.       .  Know when to say no. This is the really difficult part, but sometimes you get a really cool invite at the last minute and you know in the pit of your stomach that you really want to go. However, going would mean blowing off whatever previous engagement you have and that is a recipe for disaster. Your friend that invited you will always be there if they’re really a good friend and they will understand. Your professor understanding why you blew off an important test or a quiz? Not so much.
3.       .Keep a little planner! You don’t have to be one of these people who pencils everything in and lives by their planner religiously.  Sometimes having a record of all the things you need to do and being able to physically check them off one by one leads to a great sense of accomplishment, therefore leading you to feel like you can get more done! :D
4.         These are the best weeks to really focus on taking care of yourself. Make sure that you are drinking the recommended 64 oz. of water and getting your 30 minutes of physical activity a day. This activity provides an amazing release for all that mental tension from that “storm” week while the endorphins give your brain an energy shot, giving studying and just about everything a much needed boost. Who doesn’t want that?
5.        Allow yourself some wiggle room. The human brain can only stay focused for super productive study time about 45 to 50 minutes at the maximum before the mind starts to wander and productivity goes down. Don’t coop yourself up. Get some fresh air, meet up with a friend for lunch, and reinvigorate yourself with stimulating conversation.

What does the fox say?

Everyone has difficult weeks, but these hard weeks don’t last forever. Take things in stride and celebrate your victories! How about checking out some of October’s random holidays here to see what all you can do to celebrate and reward yourself after some study sessions?