How to make the most of Reading Week

As students at the U of A, we've all been there – the whirlwind of midterms and assignments can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. However, the presence of Reading Week has provided the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for the final exams that loom on the horizon. I have always seen Reading Week as a much-needed break and would like to share how to make the most out of it.

Set realistic goals

Before diving into Reading Week, it's essential to set realistic goals for yourself. Start by assessing your current academic situation. In my first year as an engineering student, I set out the lofty goal of completing all preparations for my final exams as well as practice sample papers. Safe to say, I was nowhere close to this goal and felt at the end that I had accomplished nothing. Having realistic goals is needed as it keeps you focused and does not set you up for feeling disappointed. 

Take note of what you've accomplished thus far and what needs your attention during the break. Create a to-do list that outlines the subjects, assignments or study materials that require your focus. By setting achievable goals, you'll ensure that your time is well-spent, and you won't feel overwhelmed.

Prioritize self-care

The first thing to prioritize during the break is self-care. This break provides us with an opportunity to relax by not having to go to classes and can help us de-stress after a hectic midterm season. Some ways to help in self-care:

1. Rest and sleep: Ensure you catch up on sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. A well-rested mind is more productive and better equipped to absorb information.
2. Physical activity: Regularly exercise to boost your mood, reduce stress and improve focus. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference. This one is super important: remember to stretch your legs and not spend the entire break binge-watching shows like I did in the past.
3. Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to nourish your body and mind. Avoid excessive sugar, as it can lead to energy crashes.
4. Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. My personal favourite is listening to Coldplay. Remember to do what suits you best, as each person has their unique way of relaxing.
5. Social connections: Spend time with friends and loved ones to foster emotional well-being. Connecting with others can provide a support system and help alleviate stress.

Study effectively

Reading Week provides us an opportunity to begin preparing for final exams. Preparing effectively can save us from a whole lot of unnecessary stress later. Here are some tips to study more effectively: 

1. Create a study schedule: Plan your study sessions in advance, allocating time to each subject. Stick to your schedule to maximize productivity.
2. Active learning: Instead of passive reading, engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing, teaching a concept to someone else or creating flashcards.
3. Seek help: If you're struggling with specific topics, don't hesitate to seek assistance from professors, tutors or classmates. This is something that I continue to struggle with. My mentor taught me that it is always better to seek help than to be caught up in thinking about what the other person will think about me.
4. Use study resources: Take advantage of online resources, textbooks and supplementary materials to enhance your understanding of the subject matter.
5. Take regular breaks: Avoid burnout by incorporating short, frequent breaks into your study sessions. The Pomodoro Technique, for example, involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.

Review and organize

During Reading Week, I take the time to review my class notes, assignments and previous exams. I organize my study materials and create a system that works for me. This helps me understand the course material and identify my strengths and weaknesses, enabling me to focus on areas that need improvement.

Stay connected to your goals

I typically spend some time evaluating my short and long-term academic goals and plan my next semester accordingly. I try to set out realistic and achievable goals. I also use this time to visualize success by getting my desired results, as it boosts both my confidence and motivation.

Take breaks and enjoy your time

Reading Week isn't all about studying for me; it's also a valuable opportunity to relax and have some fun. Make sure to schedule breaks in your study routine to do things you enjoy!

1. Explore new interests: Use your free time to explore hobbies or activities you're passionate about. Engaging in non-academic interests can provide a refreshing change of pace. Last year, during Reading Week, I discovered that I had an avid interest in doing landscape photography. I took to it with a lot of enthusiasm and still continue to be engaged in doing photography.
2. Plan short getaways: Consider taking a short trip or planning a mini-vacation to rejuvenate your mind and escape from the daily academic routine. This could be taking a single-day trip to Elk Island or watching a movie in the cinema.
3. Leisure reading: My personal favourite is reading a new book that's not related to my studies. This is a fantastic way to unwind and stimulate my creativity. 

Stay flexible

It's essential to remain flexible. Unexpected events or changes in your priorities may occur. Be ready to adapt your schedule and plans while maintaining your overall goals in mind.

Reading Week offers a chance to destress from midterms, prevent burnout and prepare effectively for final exams. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care and studying effectively, you can make the most out of this break. Remember to take breaks, enjoy your time and reflect on your progress. Ultimately, these tips can help you return to the academic grind feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your final exams with confidence. Reading Week can be a time of personal growth, so use it wisely and enjoy the journey as you progress toward your academic goals.