Finals week, aka the most dreaded week of the semester. Just when you feel like you have it all under control, BAM- you remember you have a 5 page paper due the next morning at 8 am. Remember, finals might be the most emotionally taxing time of the semester, but it's only ONE week. So, here are 9 ways to keep calm, keep your composure, and conquer finals week 2k15!
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1. Sleep
And no, I don't mean the "30 minutes on the library couch" kind of sleep. The best thing you can do for yourself during finals week is turning in for the night and getting a full 8 hours. You'll retain more of the information you studied, you'll wake up in a better mood, and you'll be more alert taking that 2 hour final exam.
2. Prioritize
Getting your priorities straight when it comes to finals week is essential to your sanity. Make a list, make another list, and then make another list. Keep tabs on what needs to be done first, what needs to be studied for, and what papers are due when. Having a set plan of what you need to do on which day will help you to not feel so overwhelmed.
3. Take Breaks (for pancakes)
Many university organizations will host different late night events for students during finals week to take a break from studying (and hopefully get their grub on). The BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry) on my campus hosts a late-night pancake dinner every day during finals week. It brings out hundreds of students and helps to relieve some of the pressure during the most stressful time of the year. Whether you go to the B for some pancakes or go to McDonald's for a Bacon Egg & Cheese biscuit, take breaks to get food and regroup yourself.
4. Don't Abuse Caffeine
As tempting as it may be to run and get a cup of coffee every hour you're studying, avoid drinking too much like the plague. You'll get jittery, unfocused, and in the end you'll just end up crashing. Yeah, a little caffeine to get you going is okay- but anymore than a couple of cups will just hurt you in the long run.
5. Unplug
It is impossible to use your time wisely if you're checking Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tinder, Snapchat, Tumblr, and then Instagram again every 10 minutes. Turn your phone off, log into Blackboard, and get stuff done.
6. Go Outside
It seems silly, but fresh air can be the cure for a lot of things. If you can't focus, have writer's block, can't figure out that math equation- take a breather, and go outside. Take a lap around the library, or the entirety of campus if you need 15 minutes to yourself. You'll come back with a clear head and a fresh start.
7. Go Somewhere New
The stress of finals week is the perfect time to find new places to study. A change in scenery will keep you on your toes and will help you focus, retain information, and be overall in a better mood. For my Morehead State kids, you'll find me at Bakery on Main generally the entirety of finals week- specifically with a pot of tea and a sweet treat!
8. Reach Out To (Older) Friends
Sometimes you'll get lucky and have friends who only have finals on Monday and are done (Thankfully, that's me this semester!) But for those who do have a jam-packed week, reach out to friends who have graduated or are older for some insight. They will appreciate that you thought of them, and you will feel 10x better after a good pep talk-- and if you're lucky, they might bring you a hot chocolate or coffee, too!
9. Stop Stressing So Much
The best advice I can give you as a seasoned veteran of finals week is to let go of the stress. Sometimes, things will be out of your control. Breath, and realize you can do nothing other than your best! It will seem extremely overwhelming, but remember this is the last week between you and five weeks of peace and serenity!
