We've reached that time of year again when we've spent all of our energy on getting us to this point. We're all physically and mentally drained now that finals week is upon us. Hopefully keeping these eight tips in mind will help you get through finals.
1. Sleep is your friend
Studying will always be a good thing, but there comes a time when sleep trumps studies. Studying becomes ineffective after you've had your fifth cup of coffee and your eyes start stinging. So love yourself! You're not gonna remember much anyway if you show up exhausted to your exam.
2. Too much of a good thing is bad
Yes, sleep is important, but be sure not to overdo it. Sleeping too much and not studying enough is almost as bad as studying too much and not sleeping enough. The key is moderation. Find a balance between studying and sleeping that suites you the best.
3. Stress eating still gives you real calories
It's almost too easy to reach for that honey bun instead of an apple when you're committing to a late-night study session. And it doesn't help that Dominoes can deliver within the hour. But remember, a healthy snack will not only boost your brain function and give you a kick of energy, it will also make you feel a lot better about yourself. It might taste good but remember, 30 seconds on the lips is six months on the hips.
4. All bad things come to an end
Finals week is just a week. It may be extremely painful and feel like a whole month, but it's only five days! You can handle five days. And the best part is that after that torment, you get to go on break!
5. Your grades don't define you
So you might get a bad score on a final. That grade doesn't define you. You are more than one test in one class. Getting a bad grade or two doesn't mean that you'll have to drop out of college and become a stripper. It's not the end of the world! All it means is that you have to try a bit harder next time.
6. That doesn't mean you can screw around
Yes, your grades don't define you, but that doesn't mean you can laze around and not put in the effort. When everything is said and done, people aren't going to remember you for a grade you got on an exam but they will remember things like how much effort you put into the things you did. Don't be the guy that complains about his grade when he doesn't want to put in the work.
7. Remember why you're here in the first place
Why are you here? There is a reason you decided to pay all this money to come to college. You could be somewhere else doing something else but you're not; you're here trying to get the motivation to survive finals. But why? Even if you're undecided on what you want to do after college, or even what you want to do in college, you're here because you saw an opportunity to better yourself. That means something.
8. Just breathe
Beyonce is usually right. Just breathe. Remember most of the things we worry about never end up happening. You're going to do great.
