Please do not freak out. I know you might be thinking that with a couple weeks left in the semester it is hard to stay calm, but I have a formula for you that will help you get through it!
1. Take advantage of weekends.
It is a really good idea to get ahead and mark your final exams on a calendar. I like to go through past exams and notes to create a study guide. It may not be a bad idea to ask your professor if there is work you can do over breaks and weekends to get ahead so you have time to study for finals.
2. Distance yourself from any distractions.
Have a one-track mind for what's to come. This one-track mind should be strictly focused on success. People may ask you to do things unrelated to your task, but don't hesitate to politely tell them “I would really love to, but I have a set schedule to get everything done that I need to before finals."
3. Make sure your “fun” activities include sleep, exercise, and eating healthy.
These are the keys to an active mind and good brain function. I usually enjoy focusing on yoga for my exercise around the end of the semester, or what I like to call, the weeks of Zen.
4. No negative comments toward yourself or those around you.
Everything should be judge-free because there is no need for any negative vibes in your environments. Positivity and support bring out the best in people.
5. Join a study group.
Don’t leave it up to your study group to teach you everything. It will take more time and your efforts will be backtracked. Also, don’t be negative toward helping your peer who is behind. You will only know the material better if you help others out.
6. Do not think about winter break.
I repeat….do not think about winter break. Ignore the urge because it will distract you from your short-term goal: finishing up the semester strong. Let your only goal be what you will achieve academically.
7. Listen to positive music, get pumped, and enjoy yourself.
Let the work be fun. You never know what you will achieve if you put your all into it within a timely manner that you have planned well.
8. Talk to your friends.
Yes, you can come up for air every now and then. It is a great mental break to actually communicate about something other than stress and work.
9. Dress your best.
It may make you feel motivated if you look nice. Because if you look the best, you are also going to act the best. And you are only young once, so work it.
10. Write down mottos for yourself.
And stick by those mottos. Believing in what you write will get you far. Heck, it may even make you want to do your work. You may have the strength to write a novel.
11. Chew gum and drink tea.
Try to stay away from coffee because after a certain amount it can just make you even more tired. You will not be alert anymore.
So good luck to all and don’t crack under pressure. You got this!
