By: Emily Huff

It’s official- with midterms upon us, we’ve reached that point in the semester where exams and assignments are quickly piling one on top of another while our new-semester energy begins to dwindle, meaning that it’s more important than ever to make the most of your time studying so that you can remain productive while making sure you don’t fall into the trap of letting your work absorb your entire life. Hopefully, the following list of tips can help you set healthy studying habits and ease some of the pressure that’s inherent to the more challenging points in the year.

Make a schedule- Block out certain times for certain assignments and stick to it. It's okay to go overtime or make changes as needed, but if you commit to yourself that you will get work done within a specific time frame, you’re more likely to do it.
Find a good study space- Everyone knows that the library is a great place on campus to find some quiet and be productive, but there are many places you can go for a change of scenery. If you prefer to work with a few more people around, the hub is a great place to go, or even the dining commons during the less active hours. And with warmer weather quickly approaching, there's no better place than outside to get some sun and stay focused.
Take good, meaningful breaks- You can’t expect yourself to work nonstop for hours on end and see satisfying results. It’s important to give yourself time to recharge before getting back to it. Spend time with friends, take a walk, watch TV, or do whatever is best for you to relax, so you can return to your work refreshed and refocused.
Have a good playlist- Music is a great way to take some of the monotony out of those really long assignments or long nights of studying. Have a good playlist ready of songs that make doing work more enjoyable.
Continue living your life- Schoolwork is important, of course, but so is establishing a healthy balance. You’re not putting your best foot forward when you let stress rule your life. Ultimately, a grade that’s perhaps a bit lower than expected or a rushed assignment that snuck up on you is not the end of the world. Holding yourself to an inhumane academic standard can only hurt you. Dust yourself off, and turn your focus to the future.