Studying Tips & Resources

Write down what thoughts you are having that are causing you anxiety.

Are these thoughts correct?

Example: If I don't do well on this test/paper, I will certainly flunk the class.

Why is this likely incorrect? This is just one test. There are others for this class. There is extra credit. It is graded on a curve, so in comparison to others, I might be doing great. The grade is based on more than just this test. (And, even if I did flunk the class-it's not the end of the world.)

To Do: Write down why the thoughts you listed are likely incorrect.

What would be a better (more useful) thought about an exam or studying?

Example: I've done well before on tests. I can do well on this one, too. I'll put in a good effort. There will be many more exams. This is just one exam.

To Do: Respond to the thoughts you wrote down.

Because our bodies physically feel the stress of our initial unhelpful thoughts, we can directly change this by using various relaxing techniques.

1. Tense and relax muscles. Tense various muscle groups for five seconds. Then relax. Do this throughout your body.
2. Take deep slow breaths. Four seconds in. Hold for four. Six seconds out. Pause briefly. Think of breathing in relaxation and say "relax" to yourself. Say "calm" as you exhale.
3. Investigate other ways to relax. You might go for a walk. You might listen to relaxing music or ambiance.

Practice! Practice! Practice!

It's helpful to get good at using these techniques. The best way is to practice when you are NOT feeling extremely stressed. Then, later when you are stressed, you'll have the tools to deal with it.

Try setting a timer for at least 30 minutes every day to study. If you're particularly busy, even 15–20-minutes can be helpful.

Your study space should be free of distractions. Having the TV or videos playing in the background is only going to hurt your study time. Try to keep your phone in your pocket or bag to avoid temptation.

If your professor used a PowerPoint but didn’t share it, email them as soon as possible to ask if you can have a copy.

Even just creating flashcards can be helpful. It’s been proven that physically rewriting the information helps you remember! Once the cards are done, you can use them to further review or quiz yourself during a study session.

Try asking your classmates if they would be willing to form a study group, in person or over Zoom. Hearing the material from someone else and rephrasing it are excellent ways to reinforce information. As a bonus, classmates might have study tips they’ve found that work for you.

It isn’t recommended to listen to music with lyrics while you study, but there are other ways to get background noise. White noise, nature sounds, or instrumental music are all ways to fill the silence while you study and help you make the most of your time.