April is upon us, which means there are less than four weeks of classes until finals season. While we all make the most of our last month in Happy Valley, it can be tempting to ditch the library for a night out – even if we could benefit from a little GPA boost. Looking for some end-of-semester motivation? Follow VALLEY’s tips to keep your grades up while still having fun this spring.
Find a Study Spot
When it comes to hittin’ the books, your work environment can make all the difference. Choose a study space that will make you the most productive. Need some peace and silence? Find a quiet corner in Pattee and Paterno. In the mood for a study snack? Head to Irvings or Vibe Coffee to fuel your workday. Finding a place where you can best focus will totally improve your work ethic and efficiency.
Keep a Daily To-Do List
Studies show that checking tasks off your to-do list can make you feel happier and more satisfied with your work. Plus, planning out each day will give you a set of goals to keep you motivated. If you don’t prefer the old-fashioned planner approach, try using an app to keep your tasks up to date. With your Penn State email, you can use Microsoft’s to-do app, which syncs your to-do list on your phone and computer – so you can always have your list at hand!
Try the Pomodoro Method
We’ve all been there before: you know you need to study for an exam, but the arduous task of studying for hours straight feels *so* exhausting. Luckily, there’s the Pomodoro method, a scientifically-backed work technique that breaks up your studying with intermittent rests.
The classic Pomodoro method is 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of rest, but you can alter the time lengths to whatever fits your study flow best. Most find that for large projects, essays, or exams, the Pomodoro method is effective because it motivates you to work for a “reward” and the end of each work interval. There’s even a Pomodoro timer to make your job easy.
Find a Work-Life Balance
It’s totally normal to feel burnt out by the end of the semester. Therefore, take this as your reminder that balance is key. At the end of the day, it’s simply unrealistic to assume that you’ll be able to power through the last weeks of classes by prioritizing academics over everything. On the flip side, your plan to never miss a night out and hope the best for your GPA might also have its tradeoffs.
To be your healthiest (and happiest!) self, it’s important to keep a balance based on what’s best for you. So yes, study for that exam, but make sure to reward yourself with a night out this weekend.
Think Positive Thoughts!
Ok, we can’t blame if you read this one with an eye roll. But even though positivity may seem like a meaningless work tactic, it can actually really improve your productivity and confidence! Social scientist Loretta Breuning explains that per human nature, our brains are conditioned to think negatively and critically of ourselves – and that the more we “practice” this negative behavior, the better we get at it. So next time you have a busy work week, try paying yourself a few compliments. The more thoughts and situations you frame positively, the better chances you have to succeed.
How will you stay motivated as you wrap up the semester? Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, with your go-to study tips.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
I have observed that over the course of constructing a relationship with real estate managers, you’ll be able to come to understand that, in every real estate transaction, a percentage is paid. Ultimately, FSBO sellers will not “save” the fee. Rather, they struggle to earn the commission simply by doing the agent’s occupation. In doing this, they commit their money as well as time to conduct, as best they will, the tasks of an real estate agent. Those duties include uncovering the home by way of marketing, presenting the home to willing buyers, constructing a sense of buyer urgency in order to prompt an offer, preparing home inspections, handling qualification check ups with the financial institution, supervising maintenance, and aiding the closing of the deal.
Your web page does not show up correctly on my blackberry – you might wanna try and repair that
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made