Zombies are not something you really want to to encounter in general. So why turn into one? If you do not want your brains eaten out by some freak of a creature, then why would you want your brains to turn to mush during finals week.
"Finals." A dreadful word that not many people want to hear about, and being a senior in college, I understand the late night cram sessions, the wanting to call your mom and wanting to drop out because you can't take it anymore, etc. It may seem like you can't make it, but trust me, my friends, you will be able to make it. I know that there are countless lists out there that tell you how to survive finals, but in my experience, there are some different ways I go about studying for my finals and how I survive finals. Here are ten tips your will be able to use during this mind numbing time
1. Get out of your room!
Whether you live on campus, in an apartment, or even with your family, studies show that it is not good to stay in your room and study. I, as a senior in college and attest to this! You need somewhere where you will not be distracted by items in your room, or doing something randomly off topic. Find a quiet place to study, a corner in a coffee shop, someplace in the library, or even a park bench (if there is no snow in your area that is)
2. Tackle a hard assignment before an easy one.
OK, so this may be a pretty easy task, but it works! Using a majority of your brain power on a hard assignment first will help you feel relief and doing that hard assignment, take a 20 minute break then doing some easier assignments or whatever the exam you are studying for.
3. You are allowed to take a break!
This goes with the previous one. Taking a break is OK. Your mind pretty much ran a marathon just tackling that exam guide (or whatever you're doing) Go walk a few laps, get a yummy snack, or listen to some awesome tunes!
Reward yourself and celebrate your mini victory, because you are getting what you need to get done! I believe in you!
4. Free write or doodle.
Can't get the creative juices flowing? Try taking some time to write down words, anything that comes into your mind that may help get your brain going. Doodling also helps me when I need some creative inspiration for a paper because my mind works by using visuals, so if I just happen to doodle for a bit or write a few words, it helps get your brain working without pushing yourself too hard off the bat.
5. Talk to your peers.
This may come as obvious, but it really helps, especially if you have an instructor that is not so helpful and makes you more confused than before. Talking to other people from your class can be really helpful, maybe ask if you can borrow their notes, and maybe study with them. Two minds working together is always better! See, you feel more productive and you made a new friend.
6. Always have something to drink.
Don't have soda! Yes, there is caffeine, but coffee, tea, and water is much better for you. You ll be hydrated and your brain will more than likely function better with nourishment going through your body. Tea always helps me when I feel like "It's hopeless and I'm going to dropout" state of mind. Tea is great for health benefits, whether you're sick or not.
7. Plan ahead.
Some people are great at planning, others may not be. When it comes to you procrastinators out there, it may not be enough to make a list, so here may be a helpful item to do: In your phone, plug in what you will do that day in your phone and set yourself an alarm so that you will not forget. It always helps when you have an electronic reminder to do the remembering for you.
8. Have a jam session.
If you are taking a break, remember your inner child! Dancing can be stress relieving (and it's always fun when you have one of your favorite jams on.) Just let off some steam! Dance it out and make sure to have fun!
9. Keep your work area organized!
It helps when you have a few of your assignments laid out instead of taking everything out at one time. It is much easier to keep your work area clean and organized so that your mind does not also become cluttered. Cleanliness is next to godliness!
10. Relax and get proper rest.
We all have that problem where when you try to fall asleep and the light switch in your brain just won't shut off! Just breathe and what helps me is by turning on music that helps me sleep. Having something for your mind to focus on that is peaceful and calming will help put your brain in that state of REM sleep that you need.
I know it is hard to relax during this time, but hopefully, these tips will help you become productive, yet know your limits. You are only human, you're not a zombie, so try to balance everything out. Relax and have fun, and have a few jam sessions!
