How to Survive Midterm Season

It’s midterm season already? It seems like school JUST started. This stressful season is full of midterm exams, projects, and papers all due within the same week. 

We created this survival guide to help you sail through the midterm season. 

Manage your time

Mark all the important dates - midterm exams, assignment due dates, project presentations on your calendar. Start early by dividing your workload into many manageable sessions. Studying in smaller increments over a longer period of time helps you recall information more effectively. By getting a head start on studying, it will be easier to digest all your learning materials instead of cramming the night before (NOT fun at all, highly do not recommend).

Create a spaced out study schedule

Everyone has different studying methods that work for them. 

One method to try is the Pomodoro Technique. This is a time management system which balances focus with intentional breaks. First, plan out which tasks need to be completed. Then, set a timer for 25 minutes. During these 25 minute sessions (called Pomodoros) focus on a single task with no disruptions (that means no scrolling on Instagram - even if it’s @jubelnaturals.ca). After the 25 minutes is up, set a timer for 5 minutes and take a short break. You can also choose to stack 4 Pomodoros and take a longer 20 or 30 minute break afterwards. 

Another productivity method is time blocking. Divide your day into multiple time blocks and dedicate each time block for a single task. This includes allocating specific time blocks for checking messages, emails, and taking breaks! By creating a clear schedule, you’ll be able to see what needs to be completed and when to work on them. This shifts away from multitasking which is less effective than single tasking. 

While this method isn’t for everyone, it's definitely worth a try.

Establish a study space

If possible, dedicate a space just for studying. Your bed and sofa are not ideal places to study. Your mind and body associates these areas with rest and relaxation...meaning you'll likely have a harder time focusing if you study in these spaces. Instead, choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on studying.  

Make sure to have all your study essentials prepared before you begin your study session. Have a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated while you study and avoid excessive trips to refill your water. If you use an electronic device to study, make sure it's fully charged and have your charger easily accessible (it would be awful for your laptop to run out of battery while you’re still working on your assignment!) 

To promote mental clarity and concentration, diffuse our Focus Essential Oil Blend. Simply add 5-10 drops to a diffuser to renew your focus and support your learning. 

Take breaks

It’s important to give yourself time away from your notes. Take frequent short breaks to give your brain a little breather. You need to take some time away from studying to process all the information. 

Studies have shown that exercise can improve learning. Go for a short walk or squeeze in a quick workout to get the blood flowing. Recharge your mind by taking a power nap or going out for dinner with your friends. 

Remember to rest

Oftentimes we forgo sleep in order to catch up on work. Rest is not a reward. It is a requirement. Your body needs an adequate amount of sleep in order to function. Try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule by getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is extremely important to help our brains store information into long term memory. Get the sleep you need in order to be better equipped for midterm season. 

Sleep difficulties are extremely common during stressful times. If you have difficulty sleeping, try Sleep Tight Pillow Mist. Mist generously over your bed sheets, pillow cases, and your body to prep your space for bed. To double up on this sleepy time blend, moisturize your skin before bed with Sleep Tight Lotion to hydrate your skin as you sleep. For quick and targeted local application, apply Sleep Tight Roll On onto your temples, wrists, jawline and soles of the feet before you climb into bed. 

Prioritize self care

Self care is so important during these stressful times! Take a bath and soak all your worries away. Sprinkle Serenity Bath Soak into a warm, drawn bath to detoxify and decompress your mind and body.

Find what works for you

Everyone has different study and self care habits that work for them. Test out different methods in order to discover the one that suits you the best! 

Have a happy and healthy midterm season everyone!