5 Ways To Stay Sane During The Final Weeks Of The Semester
Let's be honest, this time is literally the worst.
Finals week for any college student is probably one of the most stressful times of the year. No matter how organized you are or how good you are at managing your time, finals week always manages to mess all of that up. Coffee, tea and any kind of food will become your best friend ever! It's not only important to focus on getting good grades, it is just as important, and even more important, to take care of yourself. This time can make you feel down and hopeless, but I am here to give you some tips and ideas to help you stay focused and healthy during these final weeks of the semester. The holidays are so close you can almost reach out and touch them!!!
1. Grab a cup of tea
Although it can be very tempting to grab a cup of coffee, grab some tea instead. Not only is it delicious, but it's also better for you. Tea is a great way to keep that belly full and mind calm. When you are at the library or a cute little coffee shop, tea is the perfect pairing for homework or studying. So, next time you go to Starbucks or Pete's or where ever you get your coffee, grab some tea and get to work!!
2. Go for a walk
Instead of taking the bus, try walking! Although it can be hard to get yourself to walk to class instead of taking the bus when it is cold and gross outside, it is very rewarding. Sometimes we need to get up and walk around to help clear our minds. Also, it's a great way to stay in shape. If you've been studying for a while, get up and walk around during your breaks. So next time you decide to take the bus to class, DON'T! Grab a pair of gloves and a nice hat and get on your way.
3. Make yourself a workout routine
I know that it's hard to get to the gym during the winter, especially during finals week. It can be difficult to make time to workout, but if you're studying for a while and you need a break, do a quick workout (you don't even have to leave your room)! You also don't have to go to the gym in order to get a good workout in. Do some planks or some squats and you're good to go. It helps to clear you head and get your mind off of homework. Put on those sneakers and go!
4. Treat yourself
It's just as important to take care of yourself as it is to get good grades. There are so many ways to relax, whether it be taking a shower, lighting a candle or even taking a nap. Put on some music, put on a face mask, do your nails, whatever it takes to help you relax. Take the time out of your day to take care of yourself and relax. It doesn't have to be long, but take some time and just enjoy the relaxation.
5. Stay off your phone
Our phones play such a large part in our everyday lives and have become part of who we are. When trying to study, our phones can be a distraction and can cause us to not fully focus on what we are doing. We need to give these next final weeks the attention they deserve, so put that phone away. Try leaving your phone behind your computer so you can't see it, leave it in your backpack or, if you're feeling really ballsy, leave it at home! I know that sounds terrible but it works. So next time you go to study, put your phone somewhere you can't see it and get to work!!
8 Fairly Obvious Signs Your Sister Is Actually, And Legitimately, Your Best Friend
As much as I hate to admit it.
I'll be the first one to admit that, sometimes, having an older sister seems more like a punishment than a blessing. She's always stealing my clothes, commenting on how "immature" I am, and claiming that she was so much more successful when she was my age.
But once my sister finally left for college, I realized that despite all of our bickering, she was my go-to person. I would call her about the recent dramatic scene that took place in class, I would complain about my parents, and we would go into in-depth conversations regarding the recent episode of America's Next Top Model on a weekly basis.
These were just some pieces of evidence that my sister was/is actually (and unfortunately) my best friend.
You Prefer Hanging Out With Your Sister Over Your Other Friends
GiphyWhen it came between going out on a Friday night to the movies with a group from school or binge-watching "New Girl" for the eighteenth time with my sister, I always knew what to choose. Even if my judgment swayed, my sister's whining would force to me to reevaluate my decision.
Every Time You See A Good Movie, She's The First To Know
GiphyThe majority of the movie recommendations I received this year have been from my sister. Even when I was skeptical about seeing "Mamma Mia 2", she encouraged me to go (and I have been grateful since). Before I think about starting a new television series, I always ask for her opinions and advice because, at the end of the day, she knows what I like more than I do.
You End Up Accidentally Twinning With Your Sister
GiphyWhenever I would see two best friends post a picture on Instagram of their "Twinning Tuesday" apparel, I would look over and see my sister wearing the same flannel as me with the same brand of black leggings. Every time we went shopping together, we would end up picking out the exact same shirt and both purchasing the same outfits (even though she's my best friend, we don't share).
Your Phone Is Filled With Ugly Pictures Of Her
GiphyWhile most people have embarrassing screenshots of their friends or significant others, there is a specific folder in my phone dedicated purely to Snapchats my sister has sent me that are just too funny not to keep. I would feature one here, but I'm afraid of the backlash that could potentially occur.
You Plan Time To Call Her Throughout The Week
GiphyNow that my sister lives over 800 miles away, I don't have the opportunity to plan a trip to the mall with her during the week. But, through time, we've figured out ways to improvise with our hectic schedules. Whether it's just calling each other during our free time or both going to a cafe at 2:00 PM on a Wednesday so we can feel like we're going on a coffee date together, my sister and I always make time to gossip.
You Tell Your Sister Too Much Sometimes
GiphyThere are some things that you shouldn't tell your family, but you'll tell your sister anyway. When I was a freshman in high school and my sister was telling me about her adventures at a college party, I was definitely shocked at her unfiltered stories (especially as a thirteen-year-old girl who didn't even understand the concept of smoking weed yet).
You Have The Best Inside Jokes Together
GiphySince she's known me for my entire life, our jokes have had years to grow and develop into intricate tales that no one will ever understand simply because we cannot explain them. There are always those few random words or phrases that instantly spur a reaction from the both of us, but there are also in-depth stories that only we will find funny.
She's Your Biggest Fan, And You're Her's
GiphyAs best friends always do, my sister and I support each other through every obstacle we go through. Through every heartbreak, through every financial struggle, through everything. We're also there to hype each other up when we do well academically, when we get hired for a job, or even if one of us finds a good sale on shoes.
They say that friends come and go, but when your best friend is your sister, it's forever.