Planning for the Christmas holidays

CHRISTMAS and the New Year are approaching fast. So, how can learners make the most of the Christmas holidays?

Here, we have come up with some things we feel would be useful for learners to do during this period, which will help them make a positive start next year. Read on . . .

Revisit studied material

The holidays provide a good opportunity for learners to review information learnt the previous term. Starting the revision early makes preparing for the coming year less stressful.

It also allows for more effective revision processes, as learners do not have to resort to cramming in as much as they can in the days (even hours) before an exam.

Instead, learners can space out their learning, meaning they have enough time to forget and relearn information, increasing the chance it will be committed to the longterm memory and retrievable in exams.

Take time to exercise

Research has shown that exercise does not bring physical health benefits only but can also improve mood, as it causes the release of endorphins, which trigger positive feelings.

One study, which asked people to rate their mood soon after physical activity or a period of inactivity, found that those who engaged in exercise felt more content, awake and calmer.

The effect of exercise was also greatest when mood was initially low, a finding that highlights just how important exercising could be.

Set goals for the new year

The new year provides a perfect chance for learners to set new goals. Setting goals has a positive impact; it helps learners to improve their effort, attention and persistence.

Goals should be challenging but realistic, and written down, with family members being involved in the process, as this commits learners to them, making their efforts more focused.

Create healthy routines

Similarly, learners should get into the habit of having a healthy breakfast, high in fibre, each morning. In one particular study, it was found that learners who skipped breakfast or only had an energy drink performed worse in attention and memory tasks when compared to those who had taken breakfast.

Improve self-awareness

Improving their self-awareness would be a productive way for learners to spend well-being.

One way in which learners can improve their self-awareness is by evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Being aware of these means learners can work on their weaknesses and seek help if it is needed to make the necessary improvements.

Relax

Whilst a little stress can improve performance, too much of it can become debilitating and have detrimental effects on one’s well-being.

Even if learners have revision to do, it is important that they set aside some days to relax and unwind, as the quality of the revision is as important as the quantity.

Learners could relax by socialising with friends, exercising, watching films et cetera.

Final thought

The Christmas holidays not only offer learners a chance to relax and unwind, but also an opportunity to prepare and make a positive start to the new year.

Learners could do this by creating revision resources they can later use for studying, setting for themselves challenging but realistic goals to allow them to track their progress and setting in motion healthier routines. — Wires.