No IHA girl looks forward to her midterms, and the week of midterms can be one of the hardest weeks at IHA. Here are some tips to help reduce your stress level and improve your study habits.

One thing that students forget to do while studying is to take a break and get some exercise. Even if this is simply walking around your house or even walking around the room you are studying in, this is very important and helps to release energy and take your mind off of studying for a few minutes. Another important tip is to remember to take study breaks, and spend a few minutes on social media or doing an activity that you enjoy. However, be careful to not get too sidetracked while taking a break.

Although it is easier said than done, try to start studying for your midterms in advance.
Photo courtesy of Odyssey.

Another tip that is extremely important is to take the two weeks after Christmas break and before midterms to go to see your teachers for extra help. This is an excellent time to make sure that you understand all of the information from the semester, and it is a great time to ask questions if you are unsure about certain topic areas. This leads into the next piece of advice, which is to not study only the night before the exam. Although this is much easier said than done, it is extremely important to make sure that you have looked through your notes and understand all the material in advance, and spend the night before the test reviewing your notes. Take some time during the two weeks after Christmas break and before midterms to read over your notes from earlier in the year.

It is also important to remember to keep all the necessary provisions near your study space to prevent distractions and having to get up while studying. This includes keeping snacks, water, a laptop charger, and all the books that you will need near your desk so you will not be able to make excuses to get up and wander around your house. Another tip related to your study spot is to remember to change your study space occasionally to help improve concentration. Even if it is sitting in a different spot in the room you are studying in, this will help you to concentrate better if you are in a new area.

One of the most important tips is to remember to get enough sleep the night before your exam. Although it may seem more helpful at the moment to stay up and cram for the exam, it is more beneficial to go into an exam well rested. This will help you to focus better and will prevent you from making simple mistakes.

Most importantly of all, be sure to put everything into perspective. If you have a bad day and do not do as well on the exam as you were hoping, remember that it is only one test in your entire high school career. Remember to remain confident in yourself, prepare well, and good luck on test day!

By Bernadette Goratowski’19, Photography Editor