Finals week is the one week that separates students from school and summer. For most students, it can be the most stressful time of the year and you may think that your entire life depends on a handful of exams or papers. In reality though, your final grades will not fully dictate the direction in which your life will go in. Here are some friendly reminders to help you get through the most stressful/exhausting time of the year.
1. There is one week left until summer.
Although you may have your biggest workload of the year all crushed into one week’s time, seven days separates you from your stress-free summer. Use thoughts such as your feet being in the sand and the sweet taste of lemonade to motivate you to get through exams.
2. You can sleep as much as you want after your exams are over.
Although sleep is vital for finals week, most students sacrifice it in order to cram as much as they can the night before. If you are one of these people up at three a.m., stressing out, just think that after finals week is over, you’ll be (hopefully) able to sleep in as much as you want.
3. Your health> your grades.
Mental health and physical health should always be a priority over grades. In the long run, your health will allow you to live longer and live a happier life. Thus, although most students tend to stay up late studying for finals, you should try to prioritize your time so you get a good night’s sleep before your exams. If you ever find yourself in a situation when you’re up at two a.m. and believe you are not retaining any more information, go to sleep. It is better to save your brain and body.
4. GPA isn’t everything.
In the moment, it may feel like your GPA and your grades are the most important thing. In reality though, when you apply for jobs after college, the employers are looking at the individual in question as a whole—not just their grade point average.
5. Eating unhealthy will not help you.
Naturally when most students get stressed, they turn to their favorite unhealthy comfort food. In reality though, your favorite chocolate-chip-cookie-dough ice cream can actually make you more tired, unproductive and unfocused instead of helping you while studying. Instead, turn to fruits and veggies to snack on, and drink a lot of water in order to keep you alert and hydrated.
6. Dressing for success will help you.
When you’ve studied all week and pulled a handful of all-nighters, your pajamas will seem more appealing to wear to your exam instead of wearing an actual outfit. The night before your exam, set out an outfit that you can throw on right before you leave. This motivation to look well will translate into motivation to do well on your exam.
7. Think positive.
The worst thing you can do for yourself is to have a negative, “I’m going to fail” mentality. Look back on all the hard work you’ve done for the course and have confidence in your abilities to do well on your exam.
8. See the big picture.
In the grand scheme of life, one exam is a very small obstacle you have to get through. Once you’re through, you move on and it’s over. Thus, just view your finals as little bumps in the road and once you get over them, summer awaits you.
9. Breathe.
Take a deep breathe in between study sessions and right before you’re about to take one of your exams. It will calm your nerves and help you focus. You can even try doing yoga or stretching during longer study breaks in order to reduce stress.
10. Take one step at a time.
Focus on studying for each exam one at a time. If you put all of your energy into one exam or final paper at a time, you will not get as stressed out.
Good luck!
