The week that we’ve all been dreading is finally here: finals week. This is often an extremely stressful time for many people, including myself, and it can be difficult to find the motivation you need to keep going. Below I’ve listed four essential things that I practice during finals week to stay motivated.
1. Go outside
The best thing about spring semester finals is that you’re able to study outside in the beautiful weather. Remaining stagnant while studying in your room can make you bored and unmotivated very quickly. Studying outside allows you to get some fresh air, which will make you feel better and more productive. Plus, you’ll be less likely to succumb to boredom because there’s always something happening outdoors. So, try taking a break from studying in your dorm room and get some fresh air while you learn.
2. Exercise
Many college students tend to be very stationary while studying during finals week. While it might seem necessary to study for hours on end, I find that it’s more beneficial to get up and move at least every hour. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the gym and complete an entire workout. You can simply walk around the quad for a few minutes. I encourage you to try this, and I have faith that you will feel motivated after producing some endorphins.
3. Find new music
While some people are opposed to studying with music, I find that it increases my productivity and am able to enjoy studying more. It’s important to find what type of music helps you study the best, which is preferably something more mellow than aggressive. I actually look forward to studying when I know that I have new songs that I want to listen to, and after trying this you might feel the same!
4. Get plenty of sleep
When cramming for an exam, it’s tempting to pull an all-nighter while surviving on energy drinks and coffee. It’s okay to do this every now and then when you need to; however, I’ve found that I do much better on tests after a good night’s rest compared to those after an all-nighter. Your brain needs time to rest after absorbing such large amounts of information, and it’s essential that you allow yourself to sleep the necessary amount in order to perform your best.
It’s incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed while preparing for your finals. Remember, your GPA does not define you and you will make it out alive. I hope you consider trying at least one of these tips so that you can ace your finals this semester!