Finals week is a real pain—we all know that. As much as we would like to crawl into a hole and die, that's not really a viable option. To make matters worse, finals week is in December when all of that cold weather sickness is coming our way, too. Finals plus the flu (which is pretty much a disease, right?) is not a fun combination, which is why it's important to stay healthy. So listen up college people: Now is not the time to crawl into that proverbial hole—wait until you get into the real world to do that.
Here a few ways you can stay healthy this month and hopefully for the rest of winter.
1. Two Words: Flu Shot
Nobody wants to get the flu, and these colder months are when people really start contracting it. College campuses are a breeding ground for viruses, so do everyone a favor and get the shot. Is it pleasant? No. But is the flu pleasant? Hell no. None of your classmates want to hear you coughing up a lung when they're concentrating on their finals.
2. Sleep
We all know finals week is stressful and that there's a ridiculous amount of work to do, but as far as I know none of you are vampires or robots, so get your sleep! By sleep, I don't mean dozing off or taking a quick nap, I mean at least seven hours. All that coffee (and whatever else you may be taking) can only keep you awake for so long before you crash. When that inevitable downfall occurs, you're going to feel like complete crap. In case you haven't realized this yet, feeling like crap is not conducive to getting good grades, so please for the sake of your sanity reacquaint yourself with your bed; it misses you.
3. Drink
...Water, that is. It's important to stay hydrated, especially in the colder months when your body is losing moisture. Dehydration is not something you want to experience, so pick up that bottle (of water) and make sure to drink it during the day. As for any other beverages you may want to consume, avoid the alcoholic ones. You can survive a week without alcohol—trust me. And if you can't, then you have bigger problems on your hands than finals.
4. Eat
You're a human being, so guess what that means? You need food. Real food. Not a 2 a.m. granola bar or a flimsy piece of toast; you need to consume meals. It's impossible to concentrate on an empty stomach, and you need the energy to study for all of your tests. Plus, no one wants to hear your growling stomach.
5. Exercise
I am the least motivated person when it comes to exercising, but during finals week you should really give it a try. If you're having trouble focusing or are just really frustrated, put on those running sneakers, and take a quick trip to the gym. When you workout, you get those happy little chemicals in your body called endorphins that you might be in need of during finals week. Scratch that—you'll definitely be in need them.
6. Time Management
Finals week is hell, but you can make it a little less horrible by doing the things listed above to keep your body happy. Good luck!
