As all of you know because of my incessant rambling, I have been studying like a maniac for my approaching MCAT. Forcing myself to study topics I don’t find particularly thrilling (ahem, physics and orgo I’m speaking of you!) has not been easy. I am more than ready for this test to be over with, but I’m going to keep slashing through the jungle of ignorance right until the very end. Here’s how I’ve managed to stay focused on studying about 6 hours a day for the last month:
1. Brain Food.
Your brain needs food to function at peak performance. If you’re hungry, your brain is wasting precious neurons alerting you of your hunger instead of mastering key concepts! (Oh my…now I’m even speaking like a Kaplan book. It really is time for this test to be over.)
This is a lovely shot of me making french toast in my PJs. I made french toast as a night time snack for me and Darren the week I stayed at his apartment.
2. A quiet place to study.
While my sisters were home for winter break, I escaped to Darren’s apartment, so I’d have a distraction free place to study.
Well…mostly distraction free.
3. Movement.
I have never felt the need to exercise more than I have this month. If I stay inside hunkered behind my books all day I feel terrible by the end of the day. I’ve been running or doing the elliptical when it’s too icy to run. It’s good for my body and helps me focus. Win win!
4. Study Breaks.
I study better when I take breaks as I need them. My study breaks include exercising, knitting, reading for pleasure, or just everyday things like showering and eating.
So that’s my guide to success when marathon studying. It also helps for me to put the MCAT and my intense month-long studying for it into perspective. I’ve been in school for 18 years. I’ve wanted to be a doctor for 18 years (I have a family video from my 3rd Christmas when I received Dr. Barbie. I was beyond ecstatic. So cute!). The MCAT is one test that I need to study really really hard for. In the grand scheme of my many years of education and the many years still ahead of me, this test isn’t insurmountable. It’s just another step in my journey.
XOXO,
Jamie
GOOD LUCK!!! You’ll do great