Remember, if you've gotten to finals, you have made it this far! Take a deep breath and push forward. You're almost at the end! Good luck, and follow these tips.
1. Make sure you are getting enough sleep! It is extremely important for your body to recharge. Sleeping is what allows your body to rejuvenate and restore itself. Its isn't uncommon if you can't seem to sleep because of stress. If this is the case, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a power nap! Just ten minutes will allow your body enough time to recharge and to get you going. Here's a quick tip one of my psychology professors taught us for when you are really exhausted and need a pick me up: down an espresso or an energy drink, then set an alarm for fifteen minutes. Close your eyes and sleep! When you wake up you will feel ready to take on the world! I'm not sure the scientific reasoning for this, as I didn't write it down. Just try it out for yourself, and keep going!
2. Have a game plan! This is so important because, sometimes, just visualizing your week ahead will allow you to think a bit more clearly. I typically use a planner and plan out everyday. I plan what I need to study and when my exams and papers are due. Don't have a planner? That's fine. Grab a sheet of paper and plan out what needs to get done each day. Just by checking off each completed task you will feel accomplished, and everyone knows any accomplishment during finals week is always a big one.
3. Exercise! Did you know that studies show that just fifteen minutes of exercise a day will increase your energy levels a great deal? It's true! I'm not talking about heading to the gym and working out for an hour, because lets face it no one has time for that during finals week. Take a quick fifteen minute walk around the block, or do some jumping jacks! Any type of movement will increase your energy levels. Not only will you gain energy from the exercise, but it's a wonderful stress reducer! Sweat out your stress, and in no time you'll feel like a new person!
4. Always, always eat breakfast! Yes, this is something we've been told since the beginning of time, but it couldn't be more true. Our bodies need nutrition to function. Think about it: do you ever get into a car that's on 'empty' and get ready to drive all day? Absolutely not! Just like vehicles, we need fuel in order to power through the day. Have something with grains or carbs in it so your body will store some energy for the rest of the day, but don't forget to eat throughout the day also. Just because you ate breakfast does not mean you should be skipping meals. Our bodies need the fuel to concentrate. Make sure to choose healthy options, especially during finals week. Our bodies thrive off of healthy food! Trust me. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? So, why wouldn't an apple a day help keep the stress at bay?
5. Drink water! This is something I cannot stress enough. It goes hand in hand with eating to fuel our bodies. Try to drink a glass of water each morning before your coffee. It will jump start your body's system and allow you to feel refreshed. By drinking water you are re-powering your body and giving it the hydration you are most likely loosing during the day. Water can keep headaches away and help you to think clearly. Always carry a bottle of water with you on campus. It is the perfect pick me up. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water with you to your exams! Sometimes just a few sips of water will allow your mind to wake up and focus a little better. For me, having a water bottle with me is my safety blanket; I know I will always have that water to get me through the day. Don't forget you should be aiming for about eight glasses of water a day, so keep refilling your water bottle! Stay hydrated and your body and final exam grades will thank you!
