The most celebratory, yet the most dreadful, time of the school year is back: finals week. Stress levels peak at an all-time high and the dark circles under your eyes seem to be tattooed on. While you may not have the time to follow each step, take these ideas into consideration for you mental and academic well-being during the last couple weeks of the semester.
1. Start studying for exams in advance:
Well, this is obviously easier said than done. You always tell yourself that you’ll do it- but when the exam isn’t the next day, it’s nearly impossible to find the motivation to look over those notes. However, with final exams being of great importance, try to make the effort (even if it’s only a few minutes) to get your mind going on that subject for a little bit each day leading up to the exam. The night before when you’re eager to get a good night sleep, you’ll be thanking yourself for spacing out the studying!
2. Squeeze in a little extra library time daily:
This is similar to studying for finals in advance, but when debating ditching the library early for Netlfix, try and push yourself for another half hour of work. Get something done in that time, even if it’s only a few sentences of an essay. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day and similarly, your final paper definitely won’t be written in an hour. Little by little is the best way to get multiple pages under your belt. Then reward yourself with a much-needed Netflix binge!
3. Clean your room:
Okay, this may sound like a chore. I know from personal experience that my head isn’t clear until the floor of my room is. Keeping a clean room when you’re busy and stressed out is beneficial because you can truly relax at the end of the day. Nothing is worse than coming back to your room and your brain is fried, only to find that your bed is covered in the ten different outfits you couldn’t decide on earlier that day. Maintain cleanliness in order to maintain your sanity!
4. Don’t save all your packing for the last moment:
I feel hypocritical even saying this, but that only means it’s true. Start cleaning out clutter and getting your belongings in order a few days before you head home. You always forget how much stuff is crammed in the back of your desk, so clean out these clutter-prone places. This way you are only left with last-minute items to be packed. If there’s anything you know you won’t be needing for the remaining days, such as sweaters and left over winter clothes, try to pack them up and stash them away under your bed. The more organized your room is, the easier it is to dump everything into trash bags and cram them into your trunk on move-out day!
5. Stick to your routines (the good ones, at least):
Times of increased stress usually equate to less sleep, less exercise, and much more snacking. These habits are typically inevitable, but as much as you can, try to stick to the routines you usually follow. In order to carry out your semester strong, it’s important to keep your body in its rhythm and not force it to adjust to drastic changes.
Though you may feel especially pressed for time, try to make it to the gym every day or two, even if it’s only for a quick treadmill jog. Not only will it clear your head but it will also help you feel slightly less guilty about all of the study snacks (aka family sized bag of pretzels) you will inescapably consume late at night while trying to memorize historical facts or scientific diagrams!
