As we speed through the semester and midterms rapidly approach, it can be difficult to keep up with the grueling workload college brings. Lori Pinedo, a freshman nursing student at the University of New Mexico, has shared five tips for not letting schoolwork get the best of you while studying.
Have a small distraction
It can be easy to lose your cool when studying dense material, which is why Pinedo suggested keeping a piece of paper to the side to scribble on when you get frustrated by your work.
“To not get worked up so fast and frustrated, have a piece of paper or just something to have on your hand,” Pinedo said.
Alternatively, Pinedo suggested keeping a small piece of clay or another tactile object to soothe frustration while working.
Come prepared
For Pinedo, studying is best when done in long blocks of time. For that reason, she suggested preparing any food or drink you’ll want ahead of time.
“Not having to take a break to go out and eat or whatever, because I usually like to have long periods of time studying,” Pinedo said.
She especially stressed the importance of staying hydrated during intensive periods of study. A water bottle is an absolute must, according to Pinedo.
Prioritize your assignments
It helps to know ahead of time which assignments will require greater energy, according to Pinedo.
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“Prioritize which ones are more important … that need more of your time, and work on that first,” Pinedo said.
She also suggested listing out your assignments from the most difficult to least and finishing them in that order.
Bring along a canine companion
Pinedo said her dog brings her calmness in the midst of an otherwise hectic set of schoolwork.
“Having your dog, I feel like, really just helps you calm down, just having them by your side,” Pinedo said.
Any pet will do, however; the most important thing for Pinedo is having a source of relaxation by her side that she could turn to when studying became too stressful.
Study outside
For Pinedo, venturing out into the open air is a vital part to staying calm and focused when it comes time to hit the books.
“I feel like it helps me not feel (stuffy). Just being outside in a quiet space just helps me better than being inside,” Pinedo said.
There is one caveat, however: the outdoors can get noisy at times. Pinedo stressed the importance of seeking out a quiet study space.
With these tips in mind, we hope students from all disciplines will be able to use these tips to find respite from the bleakness of balancing the various trials of life at school.
Zara Roy is the copy chief at the Daily Lobo. She can be reach at copychief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo
