Finals week is rapidly approaching, and if you're not already stressed out enough, then oh just you wait until finals week. It is what I like to call crunch time now because professors and students are trying to get everything done before the end of the semester. Testing is not my forté, and I usually get pretty stressed out during finals week, but I have developed this list of my top five tips to help you be less stressed and productive!
1. Plan ahead
Use those planners, agendas, or a calendars in your room because you will need to set aside time to study with interval breaks in between. If you're teachers assigned you work over Thanksgiving break, then do not wait until the Sunday before to do it! Most likely, this assignment is a project or a paper that counts towards a large part of your grade, and if you do the work ahead of time, you won't be crying or having a breakdown in Club Olin next Sunday. Trust me on this, planning is crucial for this time of the semester! It depends on the class, but I usually set aside at least two hours per class for studying time, and I spread the studying and review over the course of a few days so that I'm not cramming all the information into my head the night before. But, for some people cramming works well, and it has worked well for me in a few subjects, but it really takes a tole on my mental health, so 10/10 would not suggest.
2. Take time for yourself
When I get really stressed, I love walking down by Lake Virginia and sitting on Dinky Dock and just relaxing. Seriously, tests, papers, projects, and school in general can overwhelm you, and this "you time" is so important for mental health and taking care of yourself. Also, it is proven fact that Vitamin D or the sun makes you happier and releases endorphins! So, bask in the sunlight and you will feel so much better!
3. Ask questions
Teachers LOVE when students ask questions, and asking what the format of the final will be can help you make studying as effective as possible. And, most teachers will tell you what the exam will be over, even if it is not in the form of a study guide, at least you know not to study all of your notes.
4. Eat right and hydrate
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and if you are one of those weird alien people who doesn't eat breakfast evey day, then you should start eating breakfast before finals week. Your body and brain need energy, other than caffeine, to function and that way, you aren't going to be hungry during the test. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Your body and brain also needs water to survive and create energy too, and you are able to study and perform better on tests when you are a general healthy human being.
5. Wear what you want
Finals week is hard for everyone, and instead of worrying about petty things like repeated outfits or wearing nice clothes, everyone wears what they want. If you believe in the "dress well, test well" motto, then go ahead and look fabulous for your exam. I will probably be wearing leggings, a tshirt, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt because classrooms can get so cold! Side note, bring a sweatshirt to all of your exams, you can thank me later.
I hope these five tips will help you survive finals week! Seriously, make sure you take care of yourself, and know that you are worth so much more than a grade!
