While your mind may say "coffee, coffee, coffee," your body is probably saying "sleep, eat real food" during the dreaded winter finals time. It is possible to keep calm during finals, and even just taking a moment to enjoy the holiday season can be a mood lifter.
First things first, you need to eat real food. Like, more than just ramen, sweets, and coffee. None of those things count as food. Think along the lines of vegetables, protein, whole grains; trust me, in the long run, these things will really prepare you mentally for your finals. Freshmen year, I thought I did so badly on a final, I bought a container of Cool Whip and a container of chocolate syrup, mixed the two together, then cried while eating it and watching "One Tree Hill;" I know what rock bottom feels like. But since that traumatizing afternoon, I have learned the value of snacking on some carrots and eating eggs for breakfast.
Next, let's tackle all this stress you're dealing. It can feel like you are physically drowning, and at some point, everyone will have their finals emotional breakdown. For some, this means crying on the phone to our mothers, and to other it could mean running around the Drillfield at 3 a.m. -- I have seen both sides. But if you create a study schedule, this breakdown could be avoided. They always say to start studying early, but if you can't or chose not too, start now. This day is a new and different day than yesterday, so get organized and get yourself on the right path!
Let me guess, coffee is currently the lifeblood of your life. In fact, you might want to marry coffee at this point. Perhaps you could even take a final on the different blends of coffee that you have drunk and name them, but why don't you swap out some of the coffee for an amazing thing called water. The crazy thing about psychological stress is that when you feel overwhelmed, it has been scientifically proven that you calm down when your physical needs are met. Now, I am a senior in college and definitely live off of coffee during finals, but I alternate; one cup coffee, two cups water, one cup coffee, two cups water. Try it, you could surprise yourself.
Let's talk about your study space. For some people during finals, they need to live at the library. Literally sleep, eat, breathe, cry there, but for others, an empty classroom will do. There are so many places on campus to study during finals week; venture out into your academic buildings and see what's available. Sometimes you can get a whole classroom to yourself. For me, my favorite study space is in my room, with candles lit, and my Christmas lights on. That way I have a quiet place, and no fluorescent lights, because I am a diva and fluorescent lights often give me headaches.
Lastly, and this going to sound crazy, appreciate finals time. I can think of more great stories that happen during finals time than almost any other time of the year. You are overtired and your friends are overtired and at 3 a.m., you will laugh and cry like there is no tomorrow. As a senior, I know that finals can be the worst, but honestly, a lot of good can come out them, beyond just getting a good grade.
Also freshmen, please shower during finals week, you can spare 10 minutes.
