We all know how easy it is to be distracted from accomplishing tasks. This is especially true when the weather is warm (I mean, have you seen those birds out there?) I’m Sydney, the emotional support dog, and I’m here to share tips on how to maintain focus during finals season.

Though I don’t know much about taking finals personally, I know that finals season is a busy time for me since so many students seek out my comfort. It’s an overwhelming time where students face a lot of pressure to perform well, whether these expectations are set by themselves, their professors, or their families. 

Fortunately, there are ways that you can prepare yourself to stay focused and ready for those final exams.

Take it one exam at a time

The easiest way to lose your attention is to overwhelm your mind with too many tasks at once. Take a look at each class and each exam and consider how much attention you need to spend on each one. 

Prioritize the exams that you have first, as well as the subjects you have struggled with the most. Try your best to pace yourself so that you have efficient time to study for each exam.

Set a schedule

On the topic of pacing yourself, setting a schedule is the easiest way to accomplish that. Structure is a really helpful way to maintain focus. Ideally, you should plan out every part of the day. It’s crucial that you eat enough meals and get enough sleep. Without this energy, you won’t be able to focus on the curriculum. It’s especially important to take care of your body during finals season so you can be in shape to succeed.

Find your perfect study space

Everyone has different requirements to keep their attention sharp. Some people can study with music, others can’t. Some people thrive in groups, others get too distracted. Think about your preferences and cultivate an environment that meets it. The library may be a good place to start.

Make sure this space is free of clutter and distractions. Log out of social media or turn your phone off if you have to.

Get help from outside resources

Even if you try your hardest, you may find that you need extra help from outside sources. You might need to email your professors or other staff members for advice, and that’s perfectly fine. It may also be beneficial to reach out to a student in your class to help understand anything you’re struggling with.

Reward yourself

Yes, it’s important to reward yourself even before you take the exams and know the results. I can confirm how helpful treats are when you do something good–and studying as hard as you can is definitely good behavior. 

Treat yourself to a snack, a break with your favorite TV show, or go out with your friends for a few hours. You’ve worked hard, you deserve a treat!

Final Thoughts

Finals season can be stressful, but trying your best is the most important thing. If you ever need a furry friend to soothe your stress, I’ll gladly support you!