Stay Cool & Finish Strong
Summer courses move fast—and let’s be honest, so does the sweat in this heat! If you’re powering through a summer term, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re almost at the finish line, and we’re cheering for you!
Here are some ways to stay sharp and take care of yourself as you close out the summer term:
1. Keep It Cool: Mind & Body Tips for Summer Success
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your brain is about 75% water. When you’re dehydrated, it’s harder to concentrate, remember things, and even stay in a good mood. Keep a water bottle nearby while you study.
Take mindful nature breaks. A 10-minute walk outdoors can lower stress and boost creativity. Nature has a calming effect on the nervous system—use it to your advantage!
Fuel your focus. Choose brain-friendly snacks like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and protein. Avoid energy spikes and crashes from too much caffeine or sugar.
Prioritize rest. A well-rested brain processes information faster and remembers more. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep—especially before exams or big assignments.
2. Study Smart, Not Just Hard: Use Retrieval and Spacing
Spaced Retrieval = powerful memory tool. Instead of cramming, review content in short, spread-out sessions. Think of it like watering a plant over time, not flooding it all at once.
Try this routine:
- Day 1: Learn the material.
- Day 2: Quiz yourself.
- Day 4: Review what you got wrong.
- Day 7: Revisit key ideas again.
Use strategies like flashcards, practice tests, or even teach the content to a friend or pet (yes, seriously—it works!). Use tools like Gizmo, Quizlet, Anki, or Notion to keep info organized and review on the go.
3. Break the Finish Line Into Steps
When you’re this close to the end, it can be tempting to push through on willpower alone—but a little structure can make the final stretch feel more doable.
Make a task list. Break your remaining work into smaller chunks with mini-deadlines. Check them off as you go.
Use a countdown calendar. How many days are left? Map out when you’ll study, complete assignments, and rest. Give yourself realistic timelines—and build in breaks.
Celebrate each small win. Finished a reading? Took a practice quiz? Submit a draft? Acknowledge it. Momentum grows when you recognize your progress.
Need a study planner or strategy refresh? Check out the Study Module in PMC’s Learning Strategies course on Brightspace—find it under “Discover” & hit “Enroll Now.”
4. After the Hustle: Transitioning to Fall with Intention
Once your course wraps up, resist the urge to jump immediately into fall prep. Give yourself a few days of intentional rest.
After that time:
- Reflect on what worked well this summer—what study strategies, schedules, or tools helped?
- Think ahead to fall: What kind of student do you want to be? What routines will help?
- Use your break to reset: get outside, sleep in, cook something new, or reconnect with hobbies and people.
5. Support Is Here If You Need It
Check out the Study Module on PMC’s Learning Strategies course in Brightspace (search for the course via the “Discover” search and “Enroll now”) for an example and templates of study planners.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just want someone to check in with, connect with your PMC Coordinator and talk to them about meeting with a learning strategist, assistive technologist, or wellness coach.
You’ve Come This Far. Keep Going.
You’re doing something tough—and you’re doing it during the summer heat! With a little intention and care, you’ll cross the finish line stronger than you thought possible.
So drink your water, take your breaks, keep learning in small bursts, and finish this term on your own terms.
You’ve got this.