With finals just barely in sight, ’tis the season for excess stress, cramming for final projects and papers, and a severe lack of sleep. It can be hard to find the motivation to study for finals, especially with summer around the corner, but in the long run, the hard work and long nights will be well worth it. That being said, don’t let finals take the life out of you—that is, don’t let it eat away at your mental health. Education is important, but so is your wellbeing. Here are a few tips to help you better prepare and maintain your wellbeing in preparation for finals week.
Make time for sleep and rest.
You've heard it once and you’ll hear it again: getting enough sleep is so important, especially when trying to remember the four billion terms and concepts you learned over the course of the semester. You’re more likely to recall what you’ve learned after a long study session if you’re able to get 8-9 hours of sleep each night. It’s important to give your brain, and your body, the rest it needs in preparation for final exams.
Skip the sugar and caffeine.
Well, you don’t have to skip it entirely, but just be aware that sugar and caffeine both have ups and downs—and the down can be a real problem if you’re trying to stay awake. Caffeine and sugar crashes will encourage you to reach for more sweets and coffee, when in reality, your body is in desperate need of water. Water can be just as energizing as caffeine and sugar, and it also hydrates you, keeping the blood flowing and getting your brain to work at high performance.
Find a good study spot.
Easier said than done, but finding a good study spot can make all the difference. Did you know that studying in the same room you'll take the exam can improve your retention? This refers to what is known as state dependent memory. You're also likely to do well with memorizing facts if you change up your study spots from time to time. See if you can spend some time studying the harder concepts in the room you'll be taking your exam in, and later change it up and move to the library, or find a coffee shop that's open late and bring your study materials with you. You can find a handful of study spaces just by searching on Google, Yelp, and even Instagram.
Take effective study breaks.
Study for an hour to an hour and a half, then take a ten minute break—that's what they tell you during orientation. It's definitely effective, but sometimes ten minutes is too short, so make room for 20 minute study breaks, if you must. Don't use this time to catch up on social media, but really give yourself a rest. Take a power nap, turn on your favorite music, grab a snack and give yourself a chance to breathe.
Finals are stressful, but remember to look after yourself. Focus on learning and growing, but don't let go of those self care routines you've spent so long trying to instill.
