The Panic Schedule

The countdown to finals has begun, and one D1 student has been using what she calls a Panic Schedule to stay on top of her work.  The idea is simple: download a calendar and fill it with upcoming exams, commitments, and goals for each day.

To stay even more aware of how she manages her time, this student color codes her Panic Schedule.  Final exam dates are highlighted in yellow, quizzes are highlighted in blue, personal commitments are green cloud outlines, practical exams are pink square outlines, and her wedding deadlines are highlighted in pink.  To further keep up with her academic goals, she lists the lectures that she aims to cover each day in pencil, crossing them off as she progresses.

The panic schedule is just what it sounds like: it gives you a way to visualize how many tasks you have to complete and how close the completion deadline is.  Basically, this system will induce a slight panic in you to get you moving, but keeps you on top of your work enough to avoid full on panic in the days before an exam.

To create your own Panic Schedule, go to your NYU google calendar, choose the monthly view, and print it.  If you prefer to digitally keep track of your goals, this same calendar has an excellent built-in task list in the weekly view.

How do you manage your time before finals?

Sleep Hygiene Habits

 

Often students struggle with finding the time to sleep, and once they are asleep, staying that way.  Sleep affects our memory, helps us solve problems, and is essential to physical functioning.    Here are several habits and behaviors recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center to help you get the most out of your sleeping hours:

• Establish a pre-bed ritual like taking a relaxing shower; avoid watching TV - it can amp up your brain
• Try a relaxation technique, like listening to the "Sweet Dreams" mp3s from the NYU Wellness Exchange: http://www.nyu.edu/life/safety-health-wellness/student-health-center/services/mental-health/relaxation-oasis/calming-corner.html
• Make sure your room is cool, very dark, and very quiet at bedtime
• During the day, avoid napping; if you do, keep it to 30-45 minutes in the late afternoon
• Avoid consuming the following items 4-6 hours before bed:
• heavy, spicy, or sugary foods - although a light snack can be helpful
• alcohol - this may help you fall asleep, but a few hours later it will interfere with your sleep cycle
• caffeine
• Use your bed for sleeping - don't study, read, or watch TV there - you want your body to associate your bed with sleep
• Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, even on weekends
• Exercise regularly - but make sure to do it at least 2 hours before you hit the sack

For more sleep tips, visit http://www.umm.edu/sleep/sleep_hyg.htm#ixzz2Pykd7Wzt. What helps you fall at night?

New NYUCD ADEA Website

The NYUCD chapter of ADEA recently put together a beautiful website with lots of resources for students.  Learn more about what they offer including educational events, community outreaches, and student support.   Check out the website or contact them at info@adeanyucd.org to get involved!

http://adeanyucd.org/