With only two weeks of classes left and finals following close behind, the finish line of the semester finally seems within reach. However, when seeing the melting snow and lengthening days, it is tempting to relax, enjoy this time of year with friends, and completely forget about schoolwork. Even as the distractions grow stronger, keeping academic motivation is key to staying on top of finals for the last push of the semester. The Tribune has compiled a few tips for staying motivated and balancing schoolwork with personal time.
One way to stay motivated is to have clear objectives and keep your academic goals in mind. Daphne Barret, U1 Arts, stressed the importance of remembering why you’re at McGill in the first place.
“I moved here to pursue education, and I want the best grades possible,” Barret said.
Setting clear goals, regardless of how small they may be, can help create a sense of direction and put into perspective the importance of staying on course.
Another effective way to stay motivated is to find the right group of friends to study with. While not every friend is the right partner for a study session, surrounding yourself with people who can keep you accountable to your work can not only boost your productivity but also create an environment where you can support each other by sharing ideas and clarifying concepts.
Still, academic success is not only found in the library. Barret highlighted the necessity of taking breaks and making time for social activities.
“I would not be able to function without breaks and valuable social time. It’s part of a balance that cannot stop just because you have a lot to do,” Barret explained. “It would be detrimental in the long run to only focus on school.”
Barret also added that she likes to go on walks or spend time on a bench outdoors during the school day, especially when the weather is nice, to maintain a balance between studying and relaxing.
Studies from the National Library of Medicine confirm the importance of spending time outside to improve mental and cognitive health. Further, time spent outdoors can also lower anxiety and stress levels and improve your sleep cycle. Exposure to natural light also helps regulate our circadian rhythm.
In addition to spending time outside, engaging in social or creative activities can be a great way to take your mind off school and unwind. Barret noted that while hard work and academic success can be fulfilling, what makes her time in university enjoyable is finding ways that she can have fun.
“In high school, I was only dedicated to school, and it took a toll,” Barret said.
Now, in university, she listens to what she needs, prioritizing her well-being.
This could look like meeting a friend for a coffee date, trying out a new recipe, or picking up a new hobby like drawing or writing. By taking the time to switch gears, you can return to schoolwork later with a fresh mind and renewed energy.
Getting regular exercise is also crucial, as physical and mental health are often intertwined. While this may seem like a break from schoolwork, getting your heart rate up can give you an academic boost. Processes in the brain that occur during physical activity release proteins that are important for memory and cognitive function. Additionally, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, supporting neuron and cell growth, and improving concentration and energy levels.
As the semester wraps up, it’s important to keep in mind that finding this balance is a necessary part of being successful in school. Productive study habits also need to be accompanied by activities that will recharge you—whether it be socializing, exercising, or spending time with just yourself—to nurture academic and personal health.
