With the second half of the 2019-2020 school year underway, the workload from classes and responsibilities are about to become increasingly strenuous. Before that happens, however, students should make adjustments to ensure more success compared to last semester. There are many different aspects of school life that should be examined for change. Three of them are studying, eating and scheduling.
Everyone has their own way of studying. Some use flashcards. Some read over notes. Some use internet resources such as Quizlet. There are many more studying methods, some more unique than others. Looking back on last semester, it may be prudent to ask, “do I need to change studying habits?” Other questions to explore if last semester’s studying time was productive are, “did I consistently study for the time I needed” and “which tests were I prepared for and which ones were I not prepared?” If changing studying styles is needed, ask fellow classmates what they do. Know the quirks and intricacies of the brain and figure out which method keeps information in the brain the most. If the chosen study method works fine but results were meager, perhaps outside factors are the issue. Is a YouTube video playing while studying? Does studying with friends end up in random conversations? Was the material studied enough times? Whatever the problem is, one change could be the difference between earning B grades and A grades in classes.
Eating diets can also affect performance. There are countless studies published about how diets can affect attitude, physical performance and general well-being. Professional athletes, people who are paid to be in peak physical condition, have specialized diets based on what they are doing each day and to perform the best. Paleo and vegetarian diets may not be necessary, but students can make simple decisions that can make a difference. Eating one less dessert item a day could prevent sugar crashes. Identifying and eliminating a specific food that causes discomfort could help in general, as well as, uncover an allergy. Less carbohydrates can balance out the food pyramid and help decrease weight. With these examples and others that the internet and experts can show, drawing closer to a healthier diet and, hopefully, a happier life can happen with a few dietary changes.
The intensity and time commitment of classes and extracurricular activities can dictate whether a semester is good or hectic. There are two scenarios that can bring a hectic semester.
College brings many opportunities and new experiences. Taking too many tasks can happen easily if precaution and time-management skills are not used. It is not hard to find a student that has a story of when they took too much one semester and metaphorically crashed and burned: they couldn’t take the stress. To prevent this situation from happening, it may be prudent to stop participating in some extracurriculars and friend activities to spend more time studying for classes and resting.
On the other end, maybe there is too much free time available, causing boredom and a sense of uselessness. Perhaps, friends cannot dedicate as much time for fun and group activities as they used to. If grades are good and positive studying habits are established, Waynesburg University provides weekly events for anyone that is bored. Greene County also hosts a myriad of events. For those who are not so socially adept, pick up a hobby or learn a skill. College is a time to learn and explore, so do just that.
Change can seem scary, but it can ultimately lead to an improved lifestyle. Taking baby steps by changing small things can lead to positive changes. Eating habits, eliminating/adding to schedules and altering studying methods are just a few examples. A few changes could lead to an improved college semester and overall experience.