Between the final projects, presentations, lab practicals, and the last minute tests professors love to cram in, all while trying to maintain a regular sleeping and eating schedule, the last two weeks of the semester are treacherous. We find ourselves finally passing out around 2, 3, or even 4 in the morning, relying on caffeine to get through the day, and going to the cafeteria when we can only to ingest greasy and just-edible-enough-to-pass-regulations food. Our goal is to survive and pass all our classes, but how can we when we're too busy having anxiety attacks and mental breakdowns, studying at all hours and getting maybe four hours of sleep each night, and relying on poor nutritional choices? Don't worry, I'm here to tell you the secrets to surviving Finals Week.
1. Cut down on the caffeine
The first thing we turn to to get through our day is caffeine, but this is not a good idea! All caffeine is going to do is throw off your diet and your already irregular schedule of sleeping. Caffeine dehydrates you and also increases your heart rate and blood pressure, which is never a good idea when you're already stressed out. So instead of a coffee cup, try carrying around a water bottle. Water will wake you up by hydrating your body and brain, making you more alert and attentive throughout the day. Maybe you're like me and crave the sugars and flavors of your favorite frap? Try drinking different juices; you'll get the vitamins and nutrients you need for the day, as well as the natural sugars your body is actually craving.
2. Keep your planner up to date
Having a planner is super important. Keep track of due dates, meetings, exam dates, etc. Relying on your own memory, or even a dry-erase calendar is not enough. If you carry a planner around with you throughout your day, you'll never miss a beat and you'll have a lot less in your head to remember! It's also helpful to schedule study times and deadlines so you'll actually have motivation to do everything you need to. Just remember, although school is important, your health is more important. Be sure to leave room in your schedule for some you-time!
3. Get some sleep
I cannot stress this enough. Trust me, I am definitely one to never get enough sleep, and only wind up paying for it later. Sure, the first few times you get less than 5 or 6 hours of sleep you may feel fine, but if you make it a habit you will soon regret it. Sleeping improves cognitive function and will therefore help you retain what you've learned throughout the day. So, the more sleep you lose, the harder it is to retain things. Not a good thing to have happen when you're trying to retain an entire semester's worth of material for multiple classes. That being said, make sure you plan for having at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and I promise your day will go much more smoothly.
4. Make some time for yourself
While studying for all your upcoming tests, you'll find you've been sitting at your desk or on your bed for hours upon hours. Not good! From this minimal activity you'll lose muscle and gain weight, your brain is not nearly as alert, you'll start snacking because your stressing, and all in all it's super unhealthy! As important as it is to study, you need to make some time for yourself. Whether it's going to the gym for an hour, taking a stroll around campus with your friends, or having a nightly work-out routine, it's important to get your blood flowing and heart rate up again. You'll find you'll feel more motivated to get back to work once you've let yourself relax and enjoy the day! Another quick tip: replace some of the junk food snacks in your room with healthy fruits and granola. When you feel like having something sweet, your body is actually craving the natural sweets and sugars of fruits and veggies!
5. Relax
As simple and obvious as this step may seem, we rarely ever do it. Be sure to do the things that make you happy and give your brain a break from studying. Trust me, it's okay to close the books and just go to bed, to hang out with friends, or even just listen to music and watch TV. Whatever makes you happy, do it. Just know that time goes on, and before you know it the books will be retired under your bed and summer vacation will be calling your name.
I hope these tips help you get through finals week; stay strong everyone!
