Habits to build before and during finals

As eye twitches, restless sleep, and clammy hands return this finals season, it’s essential to maintain some sense of sanity as we all devote the next two weeks to passing our classes. So here are some habits to add to your morning and evening routines to ensure you’re mindful of your well-being.

Morning

From the first thing you think of when you wake up to the last step of your rushed skincare routine, the morning is an opportunity to set the pace for the remainder of your day.

• Don’t rely entirely on your phone for waking you up.
  • Turn off your alarm and get your brain active to prevent falling back asleep.
    • Start a crossword, solve a Wordle, or turn off the twenty alarms set.
    • Listen to a podcast that is updated daily. 
• Set aside time for your mind to wander.
  • Set a one-minute timer on your phone, close your eyes, and think. Give yourself time to be with your thoughts. This time is a small section of your day cut to create intentions for the day that address issues that may have evaded you.
    • Example thoughts:
      • Any object: ex. Clouds
      • Affirmations
      • Goals
      • Positive visualizations
• Pick a song to listen to every morning
  • The music you play determines your mood; thus, the first song you play in the morning determines how you conquer finals. You get to choose if you’re upbeat and bubbly or hyped and fierce while studying and acing your exams.
    • Play your favorite song at the start of your “getting ready playlist”; while brushing your teeth; or when you walk out the door or get in your car
• Plan a good breakfast
  • Let’s all say it together, “breakfast is the most important part of the day.” Create stability in your day by ensuring you eat the same breakfast every morning. While big or small, breakfast is something to look forward to and can be a great motivator to get out of bed.  

Evening

Just as important as the beginning of your day is its finishing note. The evening is a time to reflect on the day accomplished and adjust your expectations for the next day.

• No technology
  • In order to start to fall asleep faster, reducing the amount of brain stimulus you supply yourself can be helpful.
    • Aim to be technology free for at least 15 mins before bed
      • It’s easier to do this if you don’t have your favorite apps on your phone. For example, delete TikTok and Instagram not to limit your time on the apps but to limit your access to them.
• Go over everything you’ve accomplished that day
  • In your head, review each segment of your day to see all that you accomplished.
    • When it seems like there is so much to do before going home for break and you feel like you haven’t made progress in your to-do list, it’s reassuring to know that you are slowly chipping away at your assignments.
• Set daily goals
  • Keep a small notebook by your bedside to write goals for the next day. You are not writing a “to-do” list; you’re writing a “goal” list. By writing down “goals,” you relinquish the guilt associated with not completing everything on the list.
    • Cross off the items completed from that day’s goals 
    • Write down goals for tomorrow
      • Limit the number of goals you write. Be realistic. 
  • Example goals:
    • Wake up and get straight out of bed
    • Wear a nice outfit
    • Get a coffee before class
    • Read 10 pages of a book you’ve been meaning to get to
    • Watch an episode of your favorite show

• college
• finals
• growth
• habits
• mental health
• stress