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Phil Estes

Balancing Thanksgiving Break with Finals Prep: How to Recharge for Success

By: Phil Estes

Thanksgiving break is almost here, and with it comes the chance to enjoy some much-needed relaxation with family and friends. But for college students, it’s also the last break before the end of the semester. Balancing time for family, friends, and fun with a little time to prepare can set you up for success in December. Here’s how you can make the most of your Thanksgiving break, and still get a head start on finals prep.


Rest and Recharge

The first step to success during finals is making sure you’re not burned out when it’s time to study. Thanksgiving break is a great opportunity to recharge before diving into intense finals prep. Give yourself the chance to truly relax for a few days, where you can completely unplug from academic stress. 


Set Realistic Study Goals for Break

Once you’ve enjoyed a few days of downtime, it’s time to get organized. Setting realistic, small goals for studying can make it easier to get back into the flow. Take a few minutes to list subjects and assignments that feel most challenging. This will give you direction on where to focus. 


Studying Techniques for Efficient Review

Thanksgiving break isn’t the time to re-learn everything. Instead, focus on effective study techniques that make the most of short review sessions. Utilizing active recall and practice tests can boost retention by challenging your memory. Breaking down large topics is another helpful technique. Reviewing in manageable parts makes it easier to absorb the material. 


Avoid Distractions

Thanksgiving can be a busy time at home, so finding quiet study times and staying focused can be a challenge. Let your family know when you need some quiet study time. Mornings can be ideal for fitting in an hour of uninterrupted studying. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. These short, focused study sessions can be very productive without feeling overwhelming. 


By giving yourself time to unwind while setting aside some focused study time, you’ll enter finals week feeling prepared and confident. Remember, finals are a marathon, not a sprint—starting now, even with small steps, can reduce stress and set you up for success. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and good luck with your studies!

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