It is here, the catalyst of the semester, finals week. This is the best and work week of the semester, as it means the end but also that you have to become an expert in all of your classes in less than a week. Here are just a few ways to get you through it and still stay mentally healthy.
1. Make a plan.
Looking at when your exams are and the material can be overwhelming, however, planning out specific study times and outlines for each of your classes makes everything more attainable.
2. Set small goals.
Telling yourself you're going to have to study Principles of Applied Statistics for six hours in one weekend is unrealistic. Just thinking about it makes me anxious and panicky! Setting small goals like studying small sections every day is a lot more attainable. Not to mention you'll remember more information.
3. Stick to your plan.
This one is obvious, you can make the best plan in the world, but if you don't do anything with it, its useless.
4. All-nighters won't help you get ahead.
If anything, you'll be worse off than when you started. You'll be tired and unable to remember anything you studied. Not to mention you'll be too tired to function afterwards.
5. Sleep.
Finals week is when you should be getting the most sleep or at least seven to eight hours. It will help you retain information and keep you in an all-around better mood.6. Take time for yourself.
Yes studying is important, but so is your mental health. Take a break from studying to exercise, go for a walk, take a nap, or just to hang out with your friends. Then you'll be refreshed to start studying again.
7. Use positive self-talk.
Replace negative comments and thoughts with positive ones. Instead of stressing out over having to take an exam over the whole semester, think about how well you participated and what you actually learned from the class.8. Don't compare yourself to the "smartest" person in lecture.
Just because someone talks the loudest and the most doesn't make them the smartest. They're probably just as stressed about the exam as you are. Asking them to study with you is so much more effective.
9. Study in groups.
Group studying can help you gain perspective on the exam. Having other people to study with can give you easier ways to remember material and more effective problem solving.
10. Take a breath.
Instead of getting to the point where you can't handle studying or anything for another second, just take a breath and relax. Have some quiet time to yourself and just regroup. This is a time where its healthier to have some alone time to calm yourself down.
There's always going to be stress around finals week, but we can try to make it a little less harmful on ourselves. If you're not in college but know a college student, try to be aware of their stressors until around Christmas time.
Have a happy, healthy finals week!
