Surviving finals period is a challenge. Last year I crawled out of my last exam looking like a panda-eyed, hunch-backed, spasm-filled sloppy wreck. My hair was a mess from a recent pen explosion.
I don’t want you to have to experience that.
Here is my list of how to (at least give the impression) that you are coping during exam time. Hopefully by acting the part, you actually will cope better.
Keep away from the PJs… at least when you’re outside.
It’s so tempting to remain cocooned in your slouchy onesie or the matching flannel PJs your mother gave you three years ago (that you secretly adore). Don’t get me wrong; there is no shame in PJ days. But while pyjamas are great, they have that side effect, for me at least, of inducing sleep. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be found drooling into my notebooks, snoring away in the second floor of the McPherson library. Actions often follow intentions. If you dress like you are ready to be productive and ace that revision, there is a higher chance you will!
Dress comfortably… just not too comfortably.
Maintain an organised workspace.
Not only will this give others the impression that you have it all together, but it will probably help you focus better, too.
Think like your Grandma: “posture is key.”
The edge of the desk starts digging into your ribs, your neck starts itching, you are beginning to go cross eyed, and you realise that your face is less than an inch away from the computer and your heavy breathing is starting to fog up the screen.
Continually be check your posture so this doesn’t happen to you. Having a sore back can make concentration difficult.
Attempt to smile.
Try to make it natural, and not the massive-grin-that-looks-as-though-you-are-going-to-eat-a-child type of smile. With a good smile, nobody knows the amount of coffees you’ve had and how on-edge you are. Your smile doesn’t need to be Insta-worthy, just aim for not creepy.
Do something fun with your hair.
Even if it is just a pile on top of your head – the term “messy bun” exists for a reason.
Accessorise with snacks.
Whether it’s a Starbucks Iced vanilla soy latte or the Cafeteria’s ‘Peru Blend’, carrying a coffee can help you feel like you’ve got your life together.
Smell fresh.
Whether you only have time for a quick spritz of Dior or a 30-minute rendition of ‘Aladdin’ in the shower, making sure you don’t cause the people at the desk behind you to gag is always good.
Actually keep yourself alive.
The best drinking game: staying hydrated. Frequent trips to the water fountain can keep you focused and headache-free. Staying hydrated also gets that blood flowing to your brain (at least, that’s what my mum said).
Whether or not you manage to maintain your composed appearance this finals period, just remember to breathe. Life is about so much more than whether other people think you’ve “got it together.” Stay calm and just keep plodding on.
You’ve got this.