Unfortunately, the tough exam period is fast approaching and we’re currently going through that stressful phase when everyone is asking, "how’s the studying going?’ and you just have no idea how to answer it. Like, are you studying enough? Is what you’re doing considered studying at all? Will you manage to cover everything till the exams? Should you do more effort?…And all those other dilemmas which that much dreaded question brings along.
However, we should all try to be optimistic and realise that these exams will be over before we know it and thus, there is a light at the end of the tunnel (literally, it will be summer – sun, sun, sun!).
So I decided to compile a short list of simple ways to motivate ourselves during the exam period so as to try to get through this much-loathed period more easily…
1. Do some online shopping.
Sadly, due to the enormous load of work we have, we can’t really afford to go on these long shopping sprees, where we spend whole days going in every shop and having all the time in the world to choose the best outfit. This is why I suggest online shopping, as this can be done 24/7 at the comfort of your own home.
The best thing about online shopping, however, is the fact that once you order it, you kind of have something to look forward to. Those long days spent at home studying, become "exciting’ as you wake up every day hoping that today will be the day when your lovely parcel finally arrives!
2. Plan a holiday for summer
In my view, this is the wisest thing you can do during such a period. Knowing that after these exams, not only summer will come, but you will also go on a summer holiday is the best motivation I’ve ever had. On your study breaks, you can also search for attractions and things you can do – it will definitely make you more eager to finish these exams as well as make you realise that all this hard work will be worth it after all.
3. Or else, if you can’t really afford a holiday…just make a list of beautiful places in Malta which you have been wanting to visit, to visit in summer.
Maybe, you’ve come across an amazing beach on social media, which you haven’t been to for ages? Or maybe somewhere dreamy in Gozo? What about Comino?
We should never underestimate our island’s beauty. Although it’s rather small and everyone complains that "there’s nowhere to go’, I’m certain that there is a pretty corner somewhere which you haven’t visited for ages. Acting as a tourist in your own country is fun, trust me!
4. Plan some outings during the exam period as well, not only for summer.
True, maybe you can’t afford to spend a whole day at the beach if you have like 10 exams coming up. But going out for dinner or a drink in the evening after a long day of studying, never hurt anyone. Waking up knowing you’ll go out and have fun in the evening, encourages you to work hard during the day, and you won’t feel guilty in the evening – thus you can enjoy your outing to the full.
5. Dedicate some time to look back at some old photos back to the simpler days of childhood or of former summer days with your friends.
This will motivate you as it will remind you of the great times you have had before and of the greater days awaiting.
6. Buy some nice decorations for your room, like inspirational canvas boards with motivating quotes.
Let’s face it, if you’re not at the library, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your room. You’ll get bored staring at the same walls and surroundings. So why not make your room more appealing by these simple (quite cheap) decorations, this exam season? Remember: change is always good!
7. Put up a dreamy desktop wallpaper for your laptop.
If you’re going on holiday, put up your destination as wallpaper, so as to serve as a constant reminder of the better things that are yet to come (not that you need to be constantly reminded, it’s probably always on your mind but well…)
Or otherwise, just put up a desktop wallpaper of some nice exotic beach far away from home, which can stir some hope and happiness within you as soon as you open your laptop to start working.
8. If you’re a bookworm, buy a nice light book to read at the beach in summer.
Being an English student like me (I’m sure it’s not just English), means you have 980943053 other books to read during the scholastic year and this leaves no room for other recent books you’ve been wanting to read. Although I am fond of classics, I still feel like reading some other lighter, more fun books sometimes.
Thus, buying books for summer will motivate you to get all the academic reading done so that you’ll start your new beautiful books as soon as you can!
9. For all those food lovers out there, have a baking session (or else encourage some of your family members/friends who have more free time than you) so as to prepare some delicious treats for when you’re studying.
10. Or else, if you lead a healthier lifestyle, you can still create some amazing things- like a nice freshly blended colourful smoothie – yum!
I truly hope my suggestions were useful. I would like to wish everyone good luck for your exams!
