1. Take a break from social media
This one is the hardest, especially in a world where we are all hyperconnected. Delete apps off of your phone, log out of accounts, have friends change passwords for you. If this seems too extreme, start with logging off of one or two sites. When you disconnect a little from the outside world it clears your mind and enables you to focus on the things that matter. Besides, if anyone needs you, they can always call or text.
2. Don't stay up all night
I lied, maybe this one is the hardest, especially when your mountain of assignments keeps piling up. In all seriousness, though, if you can afford yourself a little sleep, do it. You will be much more focused when you go to do work and feel forced to manage your time a little better during the day because you can't put it off until 4 AM.
3. Find new places to study
Sometimes switching it up a little is the key to keeping motivated. I usually study in empty classrooms, but when I really need to focus, I hit the library. If neither of those seems appealing, check out your local coffee shop. It makes a difference, I promise.
4. Create a schedule, and stick to it
Plan in food and naps, too! If you give yourself scheduled time to study, shower, eat, etc., you are less likely to procrastinate and more likely to actually get things done!
5. Write everything down in a planner
This goes with the schedule. Time is tight, so make sure you take a little time to write out all of your assignments, meetings, exams, etc., so you don't forget anything when you schedule your time.
6. Spend some time by yourself
College life is so social, sometimes we forget how good it feels to be alone. Take a nap in the grass, or in your bed, wander around your local bookstore, or even just study alone. Connect with yourself.
7. Go for a walk
God, I hate everyone who tells me to go exercise to relieve my stress, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded that there is a world outside of studying. Get some air, even if it's just walking from your dorm to the library.
8. Cut back on the caffeine
Drink enough so that you feel awake, but not to the point of shaking and later crashing. You'll thank yourself.
9. Treat yo' self to something small
During finals, nice new pens or cute sticky notes and washi tape are a good way to reward yourself and then use that reward to create aesthetically-pleasing notes. Not your thing? Order Chinese food one night after a day of studying. It's the little things!
10. Let yourself have a good chest-heaving-heart-aching cry
It's okay to be overwhelmed. It happens to all of us. Don't hold it back.
11. Ask for help when you need it
Finals should not feel like the end of your life. Talk to your professors, doctors, therapists, friends, classmates, and everyone else you know if you need something. Often, people are more than happy to accommodate.
12. Keep a journal
When in doubt, write it out. Express your thoughts and feelings outside of an academic context, for cathartic purposes.
13. Make fun playlists
That way you have something to jam to while studying. I like using Spotify, but whatever works for you is good. You can even make a YouTube playlist of songs and stream it in the background! Here is one of my favorites for studying.
14. Do what is best for you
Sometimes that means all of the things on this list, sometimes that means none of them. Be true to and realistic with yourself.
