Let there be light / Cramming tips

Hey guys, thanks for your caring comments. I released the blindfolds today, so to speak, and everything is still kind of blurry but I can see! Need to do regular checkups with the surgeon but it's going along very well.

Other than that, unfortunately not much to update you guys about in regards to University life. Exams are quickly creeping up so it's that season again... Cramming season. And damn, that's the worst season of the year. They say for a student there are only two seasons... Cramming season, and July ;)

Anyway, I know a lot of you guys are also facing upcoming crunch time, so I thought I'd give you guys some tips on how to cram effectively:

1) Be well nourished.

Nothing sucks worth than having hunger pangs or thirst interrupt your studying. In fact, more often than not, getting food or drink is just another procrastination technique. So bring food with you, but don't stock up too much on sugar and caffeine (this will drive you nuts and the subsequent crash will be spectacular). Bring a cool refreshing sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade, something with minerals in it (not friggn red bull, if you can help it). Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, say a salad. Bring healthy junk like oatmeal and energy bars. Don't eat too much in the very beginning! Just hold off the munchies for the first several hours.

2) Set the mood.

Get rid of ALL distractions from your environment. Change into something comfortable, but not PJ's and slippers (this sets the mood for sleep, terrible idea!). Another terrible idea is studying on your bed, just doesnt' work. If it's cold, turn up the heat and or throw on a sweater. Study at a well lit, cleared table away from the TV and computer (use the computer only if you really need it for downloading documents; it's too easy to get distracted on it). Your chair needs to upright, non-mushy. Music is good, but fast or upbeat with no lyrics. Try classical if you've used it in the past, but this often puts people to sleep.

3) Draw an outline.

Set an outline that maps out every 15 to 30 minutes of your studying. I.e. 10:00pm read chapter 1, 10:15 answer chapter 1 questions, 10:30 do supplementary problems. Finishing faster than the allotted time will serve as a motivator, but don't go "hey, I finished early so I can browse the web with the extra 5 minutes!" Nononononono. Finish early, give yourself more time on the next one. If you are late already, push yourself to finish quicker, or set more realistic guidelines. If you can't do it, move on. Furthermore, the outline will help you recall your info during the exam.

4) Don't stress!

Seriously, relax! Cramming is reality! If you stress out and start doubting that you can finish it, then you enter the mentality that you actually won't finish and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. If you have the outline, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to stick to it and finish on time. Stick with it, work diligently. This takes a TON of self discipline so you'll need to work on it.

Best of luck guys! And as always, let me know how your exams go!