For those of us that are still in school, we know what is around the corner. Finals week. More often than not, finals and dead week will catch me with my pants around my ankles. All my assignments will be due at the same time leaving me to fight sleeping eye syndrome (yes, I made that up) in order to do some last minute cramming. Here are few tips to get you through finals week that I should probably follow myself.
1. Study
A simple but vital rule. I used to try and stay up late hours reading and reviewing my textbooks, but I found it more beneficial to wake up early and do this. Waking up early gives you a chance to make some coffee, grab some food, and absorb as much last minute material as you can.
2. Sleep
I used to think that sleep wouldn't affect my performance on a final, but I was lying to myself. Staying up late at night gives you more hours in the day to get your checklist done but hinders your ability to retain information. Sleeping is psychologically proven to contribute to memory retention. Study for a few hours before you sleep and try waking up early to finish up where you left off.
3. Time Management
To avoid a state of panic, manage your time well. Sounds simple in theory, but if you're anything like me, you prefer to put everything off until the last minute. This generally comes with convincing yourself that going one night with out sleep isn't terrible. Working ahead in a class or getting an early jump on an assignment may just save your life. I will generally aim to get each assignment in a couple days earlier then their assigned date.
4. Environment
Mix it up. Studying in your bed under the blankets with dim lighting may not be the best environment. A coffee shop is a great place to study. These are home to every college students friend: coffee. If a coffee shop is too loud for you, going to the library can not only get you out of your room but provides you with a number of resources. Being around other humans that all have the same goal can be an infectious atmosphere.
5. Brain Food
If you're anything like me and know you will have a late night, you will go out and buy an unnecessary amount of junk food. Well, don't. Try a healthier alternative. If you still need a your sweet tooth craving, opt for blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries. These natural sugars will stop the craving and prevent a sugar crash. Having actual food instead of junk will optimize your mental intake.
6. Take Breaks
Taking a break give your brain time to mentally recharge. Taking in too much information at once can get confusing and frustrating. If you're at the point where you don't remember the las page and half you just read, you're probably ready for a break. Get up and make yourself some food, take a nap, or catch up on your social media.
7. Put Your Phone Away
Smashing your phone might be a little extreme, but putting it away or turning it off reduces distractions. You know what I mean, too. You've wasted 45 minutes of your precious study time scrolling through your social media only to realize nothing interesting has happened online. Convincing yourself that your phone isn't a distraction isn't hurting anyone but you. Distancing yourself from that mobile screen can help you get more done in a shorter period of time.
8. Call for Backup
While this shouldn't be your first tactic to studying, it can boost your motivation. Forming a study group brings people in to the same room that are in the same situation. They have to endure hell, and you're all going to do it together. Be careful who you invite, though, because this can backfire. There's always that one friend who ends up distracting the group.
How ever you end up studying remember one thing: The time will pass regardless, and finals will end. If you better prepare yourself for them they will seem shorter. Don't wait, get started now. There is no restriction with how early you can turn an assignment in, and if you want to pass your classes, you'll end up doing it anyway. Have faith in yourself, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
