It feels like winter break will never be here, even though it’s only days away. Hell week is here. Here are a few tips to get through hell without going crazy.
Use the 50/10 rule. Work hard for 50 minutes and then take a 10-minute break. Stand up, walk around, use the bathroom or whatever you want. If you sit there for too long, the words will all run together and your studying is going to be pointless. Taking regular breaks gives you something to work toward and it keeps your mind sharp.
Get away from the Internet. I cannot tell you how many times I have tried to study, only to end up on Facebook without even realizing it. If you have a Mac, try downloading SelfControl. You can temporarily block websites like Facebook, Twitter, or whatever you want, for a certain amount of time. You won’t be able to get through, no matter what, so the Internet literally cannot distract you while you attempt to study.
Link to Download SelfControl: http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/31289/selfcontrol
Forget being healthy. Eat comfort food and don’t you dare weigh yourself. If you feel happier loading up on cheese, order pizza and eat the whole thing. If Chinese takeout makes you smile, eat the entire bag of Crab Rangoon. Don’t feel guilty, just enjoy the delicious food, and worry about your BMI after exams are over. Campus Special runs deals for different take out and delivery places around campus like Gumby’s Pizza, Chinese Kitchen, Souvlaki and more. Sign up for emails and enjoy the comforting goodness of quick, cheap takeout.
www.campusspecial.com/virginia-tech
Relax. Do not spend every moment studying. Does it really make that much of a difference if you studied three hours or five hours? Take a deep breath and chill. Go to the gym. From December 9 to the 15, group exercise classes are free. Have fun with Zumba or relax with Yoga. (Or if you followed my advice about eating and feel guilty after all, the ab classes can help you drop some of the extra belly weight).
Go find a couple friends and refuse to talk about how much anyone is freaking out over exams. Enjoy yourselves for an hour then go back to studying. Laughing with friends will make the studying easier than if you spent the hour crying.
Take studying one step at a time and don’t let the pressure get to you. It’s almost over, Hokies!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.