Finals are next week and you're drowning in highlighted textbook pages and slightly crumbled notebook papers from three months ago... where do you begin?!?
Here are 10 tips for conquering finals stress and getting through the last week of school.
1. When in doubt, plan it out.
Lounging around in sweats might be comfortable but feeling lazy = working lazily. Treat your study session with the importance it deserves by dressing for the part. You'll feel more productive when you look your best.
3. Bundle!
And, no, I don't mean throw on a scarf and a sweater. "Bundle" topics you're dreading with activities that would distract you otherwise. Allowing yourself to watch a YouTube video after every hour of studying makes watching the videos a much less tempting procrastination method, doesn't it?
4. Use your phone to your advantage.
I know from personal experience that it's MUCH easier said than done to shove your phone into a drawer and avoid touching it until you're done studying. If you're like me and shamefully check your Instagram feed every five minutes, at least download an app that will keep you on task. Finish, available on iOS, sends obnoxiously persistent notifications reminding you to quit fooling around and start studying.
5. Eat nutritiously.
Fuel yourself with foods that will sustain your energy levels. Have an apple with almonds or a strawberry and kale smoothie. Fiber and fat will be your best friends.
6. Thrive in your study setting.
Do you study well in a completely quiet environment, like a private study room at the library, or do you perform best with background noise, for instance, at a local cafe? Know yourself and choose your study setting wisely.
7. Catch up on your Zs.
Sleeping is a terrible idea! After all, you need to read over your biology notes for at least eight hours tonight, right? WRONG! Your weary, sleep-deprived self will have much more trouble memorizing those bio-terms. The key to an acute mind is a well-rested body.
8. Treat yo self.
Whether you'll reward yourself with something small after each study session or wait until post-finals to do something big, a reward will multiply your motivation. Get your favorite meal, take a quick trip to the spa or plan a fun trip with your friends. You deserve it!
9. Take breaks.
Don't overwhelm yourself with too much information at once. You'll have much more trouble retaining it all. Allow yourself to digest the information you're analyzing. Study, watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix, then study some more! You'll feel refreshed and your brain will thank you.
10. Last but not least, BREATHE!
Take a deep breath. Or 10. Meditating will help reduce stress levels... but on a less literal note, finals aren't going to make or break your entire life. Pace yourself, study diligently and time-efficiently, and remember that everything is going to be OK.
