I know it feels like you are dying from the level of stress that your body undergoes during the weeks leading up to finals, that is then piled upon by more stress of the actual finals. I promise that you will survive. I personally am falling asleep in many of my classes and feel like there aren't enough hours in the day, but hey, you do your best. So read on my fellow sufferers and enjoy the pictures that your eyes keep blurring out cause of exhaustion.
1. It will feel like you won't but push on.
This is extremely important. You are almost in the home stretch where you can finally make up for all your lost sleep and enjoy the summer as it is meant to be enjoyed. Take a refresher and power through it because once finals are over you can finally stop drinking 5 gallons of coffee a day and not stress about the 10 papers due to all on the same day.
2. Make a schedule and organize yourself.
I cannot stress this enough. My planner is filled with every inch of homework, papers or events that I have going on in these final weeks, just so that I remember to do all of them. Or at least be aware of them. Also, don't just plan for this week, plan ahead if you can so that you recognize how much time you have to procrastinate without losing points by turning it in a day late. Or if you are like me, you will be writing a paper a week until the end of finals, soI like to know which comes first and which I need to stress about presently.
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3. Work on what is due first, then start working on future assignments if you have time.
Going along with the tip above, it just helps you to use your time efficiently instead of absentmindedly typing your final paper for a class that you have two weeks for and forgetting about your paper due in a week till its due the next day. It just helps to give you a mental and physical timeline as a countdown till the end of the misery.
4. Sleep when you can and exercise when you can.
PSA: Naps are your best friend. Whether it is a 20-minute power nap on the couch in the library or a 2-hour recharge nap for the 5 hours of sleep you lost last night, sleep is your friend. Take it from someone who has basically had insomnia the past 3 months... it is worth it to take a nap so you don't fall asleep in class. And after sitting all day typing papers and reading 100 pages of novels and textbooks, it feels amazing to get up and stretch your legs and to get a good sweat in. Exercise can also tire your body out to match your mind that makes for a better nights sleep.
5. Try to take a mental break to do something that is fun or relaxing to you.
I love lots of things and anything that isn't homework on my weekends is even better. Whether it is just getting out to go to the farmer's market, walk in a nearby park, go to a bookstore or a cafe; whatever it is that makes you happy, do it. It will help you focus when you come back to your work and it will also make you feel like you didn't waste the day.
6. Get outside and enjoy the sun because it is finally coming out after months of despairing cloudy skies.
Especially as it is getting nicer and nicer, the sun gives you melatonin which is good for your body in all kinds of ways. It can mean that after a long day in the sun, you feel better and healthier and not as run down. So make sure to get outside and burn off some energy if you have the chance.
There are countless things you can do to help ease the pain of papers and final exams, and I have only recommended a few. But the important thing to know is that everyone experiences this at least once a year, if not more, and you will make it through. Good luck!
