Finals are coming: Everybody run! Oh c'mon, they can't be that bad. It's not like you haven't been taking this class with the professor this whole semester. You know their style and there is office hours, so there's no excuse! While Thanksgiving is here, there are many ways to alleviate the pressure of finals, family, and failing (sorry, I couldn't think of another relevant F-word). Use this list to help with finals blues as your short break comes to an end.
1. Do some baking!
You can throw some music on, maybe study flashcards while you're waiting, and have a reward at the finish line! You can also be an awesome friend and share (or don't -- no one will know).
2. Walk on the treadmill.
You're generally the most focused when you're exercising. If you grab your notebook, throw the treadmill on an incline, and get moving, you might use studying as a way to keep your mind of exercising! Then, when you're done on the treadmill, you won't feel as bad baking those cookies!
3. Get off campus.
If you're like me, staying in one spot for too long makes me antsy. I like going off campus to a coffee shop to change the scenery for a little while. If you don't have a car, grab a friend who does and offer to buy their coffee!
4. Color Code!
This is a new concept for me because I've been studying the same way forever (unsuccessfully). Buy some gel pens or markers and color your notes to emphasize certain aspects of the lecture or important information. When you look back into your notes, your eyes will be drawn to the highlights!
5. Light a candle.
Super simple -- just don't tell your RA! A nice, comforting smell can make any room compatible with your brain particles flying everywhere. Plus, whenever you light it, you know it's time to relax and focus on what you're working on; that's muscle memory!
6. Study in a classroom.
Normally the rooms are unlocked. If you study in the room you'll have the exam in, it might help you to remember the information! Sit in your same seat, too! Bonus points if other people in your class come for a group session!
7. Order pizza ... study while you wait for delivery.
If there's an end goal, you'll want to pass the time somehow! When it's 6 p.m., order a pizza for 8 p.m. so you know you have to study for two hours before the pizza gets there. It's like a race against the clock! You'll also want to pass the time between when you order and when it gets there, and studying is the best option!
8. Ask your mom or dad to help!
You could always send them your flashcards over email or pictures, and Facetime them to help you study! You could ask a friend, but then you can prove to your parents that you do learn things at school, and you'll feel confident about your test with your mother's approval!
9. Wake up early, go to bed early.
Do not study late. You're running out of energy, you're filling your body with crap to keep you up, and you can't see your notes anymore because your eyes are filling with tears -- just wake up earlier than usual. You don't have anything else on your mind first thing in the morning, so beginning with studying will put you in a positive mindset for the day! Going to bed at 11 p.m. instead of 3 a.m. would make worlds of a difference on your attitude, behavior, and visual appearance.
10. Explain your topic to someone else.
If I don't understand what you're doing based on how you explain it, then you don't know what you're doing. This does depend on technicalities (for example, organic chemistry and calculus). Explain what you're doing to a roommate and have them repeat it back to show you know what you're talking about and understand how to apply it.
11. Leave yourself inspiring notes.
If you know you're showering in the morning, leave a "good morning" note in the bathroom. Stick one under your pillow and in your shoe. Plan an alarm to say, "You're rockin' it today," and leave notes for other people. Positive reinforcement is always welcome and will reflect onto others. Especially on the cold and snowy finals week, you need some sunshine!
12. Only talk positively about your classes and grades.
I had a philosophy class my freshman year that I really did not like and was not doing well in. I had nothing but bad remarks, and the professor just didn't understand me. Honestly, so what. You're basically done with the class, so put every ounce of effort you have left into this exam. If I believed I was good at philosophy and that the professor gave a fair exam, I might have scored differently.
