Midterms! Finals! Don’t be concerned about anything; study until you drop! Don’t think about anything else. Do not do anything else, but if possible, feel guilty!

We don’t care if the above makes perfect sense, makes you shiver, or both. We want to share some productivity myths and facts to help you achieve your goals and find happiness.

1. FICTION: Strive for tremendous success by working harder

It’s 9 am. Get ready to study. You open your textbook to the syllabus. You appear to have five chapters to look over for your exam. Before you begin, take a sip of your coffee. What is your goal? Today, finish all of your reading. What is the answer? You must continue without pausing or allowing for interruptions. After an hour, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready to give up.

FACT: Breaks are necessary for sustained concentration and information retention. You will retain more information if you spend less time studying mathematics. Assume you have two hours to research and want to make the most of them. Is looking at something for 120 minutes the most effective way to learn? Wrong! Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that if you want to learn more and be more productive, you should study less. Examine for 50 minutes, taking ten-minute breaks. Repeat. Total study time of one hundred minutes Real break time: 20 minutes. Maximum output and learning You will learn more than if you completed your 120-minute study.

Our advice: These rejuvenating breaks can help you stay productive and motivated. Try a 50-minute study break followed by a 10-minute break. This is one of the most effective methods of learning. Do you still not believe us? Try it out for yourself!

2. The three most important things are grades and FICTION.

Too often, success is defined solely by academic achievement. On the other hand, the university is about much more than just getting good grades. It’s all about forming long-lasting friendships. It is about discovering oneself and finding one’s way. Even when we least expect it, it can be overwhelming. Exams, papers, and grades can become overwhelming and all-consuming at times.

FACT: In today’s fast-paced world, the emphasis is on the outcome rather than the journey (process). This is also true in the classroom. Too much focus on grades can lead to anxiety and stress, which lead to poor performance. Seeing university as a learning experience rather than a process allows us to grow and learn. Grades can be used to determine how well-prepared we are, how well we perform under pressure, or how difficult an exam or class is. Grades do not represent intelligence. They are simply a means of demonstrating how well you have learned from someone or a book.

Our advice: is to look at the big picture. You can only give your best effort. Be aware that each professor has a unique teaching style. It is critical to reframe the test’s meaning. Consider how this test will affect your life. Keep in mind that numbers and letters do not define you. Remember, however, that if you only give your best effort, everything will fall into place.

3. It is impossible to have fun and get good grades at the same time: FICTION

It is well known that excessive partying can lead to poor academic performance. Does this imply that you should forego “me time” in favour of “study time”? It’s probably not a good idea.

FACT: It isn’t easy to achieve high grades without much effort. As with everything else in life, moderation is key. Too much schoolwork can have an unexpected effect on your rates. This is especially true if you’ve been studying all day. What is the answer? You should continue to learn but make time for extracurricular activities. You can go to the movies with your friends and family, eat healthy meals, or get a good night’s sleep.

Take some time for yourself in preparation for the hectic month ahead. Taking “me-time” while studying has improved retention, energy levels, and concentration. To increase follow-through, plan specific activities during your study time. Instead of “break” between 7–9 pm on Tuesdays, write “movie night.” It’s a win-win situation: you’ll learn more and feel better.

4. Physical activity will make you tired: FICTION

You just finished class and are now going to the library to research. You haven’t gone to the gym or done yoga in a week because you’ve spent every waking moment studying.

FACT: Despite your best intentions, skipping exercise can do more harm than good. According to science, cardio for 30 minutes will give you an energy boost and a sense of vitality. Regular exercise has been shown to increase energy, decrease fatigue, and improve mental alertness. The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines say you should do 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity five days a week. Walking and biking are moderately strenuous activities. Running, jogging, and cross-country skiing are all high-intensity activities. You don’t have to spend much time if you don’t have enough.

5. FICTION: Seeking help is a sign of weakness or incompetence.

If it becomes too much, you may refuse to let anyone in for fear of burdening others with your worries and fears.

Let’s switch places for a moment. Consider a close friend or family member you regard as your best friend. Consider discovering they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or depressed.

FACT: We are reflections. We set boundaries and open doors based on what we’ve learned from others. Asking for help can demonstrate your strength. It is the less travelled path. This is a difficult decision that necessitates bravery. It necessitates stepping outside of our comfort zones. It necessitates admitting that we are not okay and having the courage to change.

Talking to family, friends, or someone you trust can help you get through it. Standing firm on your own takes courage but asking for help when needed takes strength. You don’t have to bear the weight of the entire world on one shoulder.