The MIR, EIR and FIR exams are almost here, but Christmas and its ability to sweep everything away is in the middle. How can we make the most of it without isolating ourselves? Do we have to give up Christmas?
The Christmas period, with its festivities and family gatherings, is just around the corner, and so are the MIR, EIR and FIR exams. At the end of January, we will have all the future professionals in Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy facing what will most likely be the most difficult exam of their lives. Given the importance of the test, it may be logical to think that Christmas comes around every year, that there will be other Christmases, and that the ideal thing is to stay in the library and ignore all the typical social gatherings of this time of year, but balance is always the key, and at eTítulo we are here to help. To face such a monumental test, we will need to rest, disconnect, and have the support of our loved ones, so there is no need to give up Christmas, we just need to use it to our advantage. Let's see strategies to make the most of the Christmas break and, at the same time, prepare for the MIR, EIR and FIR exams with the best study techniques.
To stop or not to stop?
We can't fool ourselves; even if we really want to take a good vacation, this Christmas break for MIR preparation is not that kind of break. When there is so little time left until the exam, we can't afford a complete break, but if we have done our work well throughout the year, these holidays will serve us to rest, recharge, reduce stress, and focus. It's not about stopping, but about slowing down and organizing ourselves in a more efficient and healthy way. The general recommendation from academies is to take a few full days off, especially on key dates, and to study a bit lighter on the rest of the vacation days, using study techniques that we find more enjoyable. Obviously, the decision to take days off or just slow down on specific days depends on us and how we are handling the exam preparation. The key is to truly respect these moments of rest so that we can maintain energy and focus in the final stretch.
The importance of family support
The support of family during these holidays is of great importance. Even as the exam date approaches, allowing ourselves a mental break and enjoying the festivities is essential, regardless of whether we like Christmas or have religious beliefs. Emotional support and family warmth are elements that contribute to our well-being, and with the levels of work, stress, insecurity, and all the anxiety that a crucial test like the MIR usually generates, having our loved ones by our side is vital to face the final stretch with renewed energy.
How to concentrate amidst all the celebrations
Distractions during the holidays are understandable, but we need to maintain good concentration if we don't want to mess up at the last moment. Some things that can help us maintain concentration during the holidays are:
Keep Christmas outside our study area: Whether we change our residence during the holidays or stay in the same place, we must have a study room free from distractions and with the appropriate conditions to perform at our best.
Flexible schedules: We can adapt our study schedule to the holidays, but always prioritizing our moments of highest concentration. If we study better at certain times, those times should be sacred.
Planned breaks: Breaks are necessary, and since we will have several days of social commitments, it is advisable to plan our breaks to join family gatherings.
Break the routine: Continuous studying leads to mental fatigue. Breaking the routine by implementing changes in study techniques (which we will see shortly), incorporating relaxation techniques, exercising, and planning short and regular breaks will help us stay focused and active.
Turn off all notifications and silence your phone: If this is a valid recommendation for any moment when we need to concentrate, during Christmas, when everyone is determined to send dozens of messages, when Uncle Antonio (whom we have never met) shares his annual greeting by playing the tambourine, and our classmate sends videos singing carols with the choir from her hometown, silencing - or even turning off - the phone becomes a matter of life or death.
Avoid overeating and alcohol: Nothing that we don't already know as future healthcare professionals, but it's worth remembering because everything during these holidays encourages us to do so. If we eat non-stop, we will feel drowsy and won't feel well when we study. If we drink alcohol... we all know what it does to our brain, right? There is only a month and a half left until the exam. There will be better moments to celebrate.
Organization and study techniques for the MIR, EIR and FIR exams
Making the most of study hours is essential. In addition to comprehensive reading, it is essential to use visual techniques, summaries, and practice questions. The variety in study methods can improve information retention and concentration. Let's see some of the best techniques:
Use a detailed calendar Let's start by creating a calendar that covers all the holidays and the remaining days until the exam, and divide this time into manageable blocks, taking into account family events and commitments. A visual calendar facilitates understanding of our responsibilities and helps avoid procrastination. Let's set realistic daily and weekly goals. Setting tangible goals gives us a sense of continuous achievement and keeps our motivation high.
Divide subjects into sections At this point, we should already know what we are better at and what is more challenging for us. There's no point in reviewing what we already know over and over again. To make our study time more effective, it's good to break down each subject into smaller and more manageable sections. Let's not forget to include areas that require more attention or areas where we feel less confident. The
Leitner method or the
Anki system will be extremely useful for memorizing and assessing how well we know each topic.
Assign specific days for each subject No improvisation. When there is so little time left and the holidays can distract us, we need to sit down and plan our study days well. We need to distribute our time according to the importance and complexity of each area. We should assign specific objectives to each day and not stop until we achieve them, making sure to cover all subjects equally. This way, we will avoid accumulating topics at the end.
Prioritize key topics Let's identify the topics that historically have had more weight in the MIR, EIR, and FIR exams. This is easy if we review several exams from previous years. Let's prioritize these topics, dedicating more time and attention to them. This ensures that we are well prepared to face the most critical areas.
Rotate subjects Alternating between subjects helps a lot to avoid monotony and lack of concentration and improves information retention.
Incorporate review sessions Let's not underestimate the power of regular review (but without spending too much time on it). Let's schedule periodic sessions to review what we have learned. Regular review strengthens information retention and provides a clear view of our progress.
Take advantage of additional resources Consider using additional resources such as online tutorials, study groups, or complementary materials. The variety of sources can enrich our understanding.
Practice Exams One of the most effective study techniques that allows us to self-assess is to take practice exams. This way, in addition to studying, we will get used to the structure and timing of the MIR, EIR, and FIR exams.
Study in a group Studying in a group is more effective than it seems, and specific
study techniques can be quite fun, allowing us to learn while reducing stress levels. Sharing knowledge with other students can provide valuable perspectives and relieve emotional burden.
Constantly evaluate and adjust Let's regularly evaluate our progress and adjust our planning as necessary. Self-assessment allows us to identify weaker areas and reinforce them before the exam. Remember that this planning is not just about studying intensively, but about doing it in a smart and effective way. Adapting our approach to the specific demands of the MIR, EIR, and FIR exams will position us optimally to confidently face the upcoming challenge. Remember that the Christmas holidays are a valuable opportunity to rest and dedicate ourselves exclusively to preparing for the exam, so let's use them effectively and balancedly to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. Good luck!
