Everyone knows about it, everyone dreads it, and everywhere fears it. Finals week brings out a whole other self – one of stress, anxiety, procrastination, and sadness. How will you write three research papers, a math exam, or an analytical essay? Everyone has their own stress-reducing techniques, from coloring to going on a long run. However, more often than not, stress consumes us and those techniques go flying out the door. In order to combat with the upcoming storm that is finals, here are some tips.
1.Make it silent, or turn it off
Seriously, become a hermit and don’t check your phone. Turn off notifications and detach yourself from social media. Everyone wastes an enormous amount of time by staying “up-to-date” with what their friends are currently doing. I see that Facebook tab on your desktop, log off!
2. Take breaks
No, no, don't take a break by drinking a tall glass of wine like Amy - that is not until you're finished with finals! The biggest mistake that people make, especially those that procrastinate, is not stopping to give your brain a break after 6 or 7 hours. Instead, after 2 hours make some tea, stretch, close your eyes. Your brain won’t burn out as easily this way.
3. Find where you study best
Everyone has a different favorite spot to study. Some love the library, their room or the campus center, while others need a local coffee shop with noise in the background. The point is to dedicate yourself to a space that allows you to study productively. Avoid plush seats like a couch or your bed.
4. Know what study style works for you
Everyone has different ways of learning. Visual learners might need things like pictures, or flashcards to focus on important words and topics. Auditory learners might want to read things aloud, or practice their answers with a friend or family member. Whatever works for you, do that. And don’t be afraid to try a new study style!
5. Study Outside
Especially if you have beautiful cherry blossom trees and lovely hammocks to read on like Bryn Mawr does. Go outside! Fresh air and sun will help reduce stress and make you happy. However, beware! If you're outside, don’t let yourself get too distracted.
6. Eat Well
Eating healthy may not seem desirable when you’re on the verge of tears for a week straight, and it's tempting to just eat and drink whatever is most convenient (Dominos, where you at?). But the quick calories of processed foods will actually make you more tired. Foods that are digested slowly, like whole grains and vegetables, will give you more energy.
7. Sleep
No matter how many espressos you drink, it can’t compete with getting a good eight hours of sleep. While it becomes hard to sleep this long with everything you have to do to get ready for taking an exam or writing a paper, you need it. Limit your all-nighters to a minimum and if you do stay up all night, nap the next day! Your brain needs to be refreshed.
In the end, we have all been stressed before, and we have all had to take multiple exams in a small amount of time. We’ve had practice since high school, so breathe! Remember that you get through this same panic every semester, and every year. Onward!
