1. Make your bed
Seriously it’s THAT easy. Yes it’s annoying to do in the morning, but I guarantee you’ll be happy you did when you get home from a long day of studying or exam taking. Your life just feels more put together with a tidy room and it’ll reflect in your schoolwork.
2. Buy a coloring book
I don’t care if you are the most mature person in the world; if you’re stressed, buy a coloring book. You wouldn’t believe how great of a distraction it is. Even if it’s only for five minutes, it is essential to give your mind a little break every once in a while. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so because even the local Wal-Mart has a whole section of adult coloring books. So grab a book and some colored pencils and let yourself relax for a bit.
3. Designate Two Hours Just for You
Whether it’s going shopping or being a potato watching Netflix for two hours, you need some time for yourself. Believe me I know it’s easier said than done, but give it a shot and you’ll be surprised how much it helps. Yes, there are a million other things you need to do but if you kill yourself doing them chances are it won’t be your best work. Give yourself a little slack and I guarantee you’ll perform better.
4. Candles and Christmas Lights
Most college kids can’t afford a nice noise machine or mood lighting, but stealing some Christmas lights from home and stopping at TJ Maxx for a candle is as easy as it gets. Light the candle and hang the lights up on your wall for when you’re doing some last minute studying. It’ll calm you down and release some anxiety before a final exam. Something like this is insanely simple and helpful. The soft lighting makes for a soothing mood which makes impossible schoolwork just a little less impossible.
5. Go Outside
Yes I know we live in Minnesota and get four seasons in one week, but this is a good one for the upcoming spring finals week! Go out and explore Mankato with a friend to get your mind off Pythagorean theorems and chemical makeups. This breath of fresh air can give you a new perspective on that stubborn paper or just help you relax for a minute.
6. Meal Prep
This doesn’t mean you’re on a strict diet; it’s just another routine that can take a piece of stress out of your life. I know I can’t be the only one thinking “I have no food in the fridge but I only have 10 minutes before I have to leave for my exam so do I eat a spoonful of peanut butter or a handful of Cheezits?” Food is so important to keep the brain functioning well and it’s not that hard to do for just a week. If you take an hour the Sunday before finals week to make a hot dish or cook up some chicken it’ll be one less stress when you’re preparing for exams!