Oh, Finals Week – probably the most stressed you will be all semester – it’s the storm before the holidays and the last hurdle before you can sleep for days and enjoy having off without worrying about assignments until the Spring semester begins. However, daydreaming about the end will not bring it quicker, so here’s how to survive finals without burning out!
Time Management
Managing your time is a huge help during finals week – you need to budget your time wisely and set goals for yourself. This way you can accomplish what you need to over the days you have, rather than trying to cram it all in for one day or night. You’ll find those finals and papers are much less daunting when you stick to a plan and get things done! [Making lists of everything I have to do and slowly crossing them out is my favorite method and it helps reduce stress in the long run as I see my accomplishments over time].
An “Effective” All-Nighter… But Please Get SOME Sleep
First of all, stay hydrated. Don’t immediately chug some caffeine – stick with water until around 2-3 in the morning, and then switch to caffeine, this will minimize the crash you’ll get later. Cold water is good for keeping you alert, and if you keep drinking, you’ll need to pee, so the constant moving around will keep your blood pumping and your mind clear. Second, have snacks ready. Foods that are rich in protein are your best bet, and fruits are great for getting some healthy sugars! You also won’t crash as quickly with healthy options over processed junk. Make sure to periodically get up and move around, maybe exercise for a few minutes to help shake any sleepiness that might come over you. Studying in an uncomfortable environment, like in the cold, will prevent you from falling asleep. Before you start your day, try to get at least 20 minutes to a half hour of rest, because some sleep is better than no sleep, but make sure you wake up if you have an exam to get to!! A shower when you wake up will also help you feel refreshed, and try not to do another all-nighter soon!
Take a Break!
Seriously, studying non-stop for ten hours is not as beneficial as you think. After studying for too long, your concentration will be shot, and you’ll just be doing more harm than help to yourself. Take breaks every two hours or so and give yourself time to breathe. Besides, your study retention levels are raised when short breaks are taken in between somewhat short sessions.
Think Positive!
If you dread whatever assignments and finals you need to take, you will end up procrastinating. Trust me. Whether that is unconscious or consciously done on your part, you don’t want a negative mindset clouding your thoughts and preventing you from buckling down and doing work that needs to be done.
Nourish Yourself
As I mentioned earlier, water and foods high in protein and fruits will inevitably help you feel better during this stressful time in the long run over those pizza rolls and coffee runs. Give your body the nourishment it needs to study for four different finals and papers, but still leave time for sleep.
Move Around, Talk to People, Take a Step Back
If you are constantly in exam-stress mode you are not doing your mental health any favors – take time to assess yourself both mentally and physically and if you need to take an hour or two to just relax with a quick Netflix episode, a nap, or even an impromptu dance session in your dorm just to dissolve some stress, do it. Your mental health is a priority and not listening to your needs will only hurt you. If you feel like you’re burning out or about to break from the stress, utilize the resources on campus to help you get through it because you aren’t alone!
Turn off your phone if necessary
Constantly checking Instagram and Snapchat is not helping you retain vital information for your final. If it becomes a constant distraction, just turn it off until your next break or until you finish for the day.
Pick Your Study Spot
Choosing where you will study is also important. If you think you can’t do work in your dorm like me, take your study sesh to the library. If that’s too full or you just can’t focus there, find another place on campus. The Social Sciences building is a popular one, and there are study rooms and open classrooms good for groups in the Science Complex.
Check and Double Check your Exam Schedule
Make sure you know exactly where and when your exams are, don’t cram last minute, and good luck collegiates!! You got this!
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