We’ve all been there. You’re cramming for a test when you hit a wall. You don’t want to look at the information for a second longer. You’re experiencing studying burnout. Some of the symptoms of burnout include:
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Decreased academic performance
- Difficulty absorbing information
- Intellectual exhaustion
- Reduced productivity
With your teaching certificate on the line, you want to avoid a Praxis burnout at all costs. But how? Try these 5 tips to help you keep the studying momentum so you can properly prepare for the exam.
Schedule Study Time
Time management is key. Set aside study time for yourself. When you have a scheduled time, you mentally start to expect and prepare for it. So what’s the best time of the day for you to study? Decide when you should study. Then, make a study schedule and decide what you’ll cover at each session. Remember that your plan should be realistic and manageable.
Plan for Breaks
When making your schedule, plan for breaks, too. If you’re studying for longer periods of time, be sure to take a 15-minute break every hour. During this time, you could:
- Take a power nap
- Run an errand
- Call a friend
- Stretch
- Take a walk
- Get a drink or healthy snack
Just keep your breaks short, so you don’t lose focus. Consider setting an alarm to tell you when to take a break and when to get back to studying.
Get Comfortable
Find the perfect place to study. It could be a special place in your home, the library, or a coffee shop. The place you choose should be distraction free. Then, decide what you need in order to get comfortable and focus on your studies. Will you change into comfortable clothes? Do you need to play music, or do you prefer silence? Would you like a cup of coffee or other drinks with you? Stock your study space and get it as comfortable as possible.
Take Care of Yourself
When you’re focused on studying, it’s easy to skip your exercise sessions and choose unhealthy snacks. Don’t do it! Instead, try to schedule 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Eat wholesome and nutritious foods (such as protein, vegetables, and fruit). Eating well will increase your mental focus and help your brain function efficiently. Also, getting plenty of sleep will allow you to stay alert. With the benefits that you can enjoy, be sure to include plenty of time to take care of yourself in your study plan.
Enlist Help
Find a friend or study group to help you study for the exam. Working with others is more fun and can help mix up your study sessions. If you find yourself experiencing Praxis burnout and feel overwhelmed and over-stressed, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a counselor or other skilled practitioner to help you cope with the mental stress and find personalized ways to help you overcome it.
With the amount of work that you’re putting into studying, it’s important to prevent Praxis burnout at all costs. Try these tips right away to see how they can help you keep your momentum and effectively prepare for the exam.
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