This is the last full week of classes, which means that the dreadful finals are coming our way. Once we finish these two weeks, we are ready for the summer we have been waiting for! So here are several tips to survive:

1. Stay Organized

Because the next two weeks will be complete and utter chaos, the best thing to do is to stay organized. Your planner will be your best friend for the next two weeks.

Plan as much as you can, including the time you save for yourself. Add in the time you’re using for exercise, shower, eating, etc… It will motivate you to keep yourself on track and allow you to see what you need to prioritize.

Staying organized can also mean making sure there are no scrap papers, unmade bed, messy desks, etc… It helps to have a clean room to make you feel productive and organized. Use the bed only for sleeping and watching Netflix, use the desk only for work and studying. If you do not like studying in your room, the library is only for work and studying.

2. Take time for yourself

Now, this is something that everyone knows to do but do not actually know how to do it. It is a lot easier said than done, especially around this time. But because you will have less time to start your day or wind down at the end of the day, it is even more important to take time for yourself.

Even a face mask could be thought of a taking time for yourself. It does not have to be a big time commitment. Maybe an episode of Friends??

3. Get some sleep

Like I said before, use your bed only for sleeping and Netflix. Why may you ask? Your brain will start to associate your bed with relaxation and sleeping so once you get into bed, you will automatically fall asleep. If you fall asleep early, say around 10 pm, you will be able to wake up at 8 am to start your day of studying and writing essays.

4. Exercise

Now, this can go both ways. If you exercise first thing in the morning, you will feel refreshed and energetic for the rest of the day. If you exercise at night and it is one of the last things you do for the day, it will allow you to fall asleep faster.

Cardio and strength training are the two exercises that make you feel the most tired. It is good to get your body moving once a day.

5. Say things aloud

This is just a tip for those who need to memorize and understand concepts for their tests. Saying things aloud to yourself or to a friend is so helpful. You should study for your tests as if you are teaching the material to other people.

That way the social side of your brain will memorize it and will help you recall it better. Trust me, I have used this technique for studying and I have seen a big change!