Finals week is upon us. College students everywhere are cramming for exams and drafting, writing, and rewriting papers in order to prove to their professors that they have learned something in these past 15 weeks of classes. Forget about all the other things we have done. The sleepless nights, the coffee high's, and library naps have all been preparing us for this single week. Yikes.
Most students completely forget to take care of their mental health during finals. All semi conscious efforts at mental stability go down the drain and suddenly we find ourselves spiraling down a dark path of espresso, pills, and insomnia. However- this is not good! None of these bad habits are going to help you when you come down from this high during exams. So here are a few tips to make sure that your mental health stays in tact during the most stressful week of the semester.
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1. Drink Water
While coffee or energy drinks are good for short term stimulation, there's always a crash that makes you feel more tired than before. Water keeps you hydrated and awake for longer amounts of time. You might not feel the same harsh affect that coffee gives you, but the gradual and steady stream of energy will keep you going longer and prevent you from a caffeine crash.
2. Get Some Sleep
Mental exhaustion is real. Getting a full eight hours of sleep will make you feel more awake during the day. It is easier to retain information when you have a clear mind and clear eyes. There's no use in studying if you are not going to be able to remember anything you read. So make sure to get plenty of sleep in order to keep yourself keen.
3. Take Breaks
It is crucially important to take breaks during long study periods. There is only so much your brain can process in a longer amount of time. You need to be able to give your brain time to process the information it is receiving in order for retention. Taking a short break every couple hours will give yourself the energy boost you need and keep your mental clarity.
4. Avoid Distractions
While taking breaks is good, constantly getting distracted by notifications is not. Turn on your do not disturb setting on your phone and laptop while you are studying. The tweets, texts, and chats can wait- I promise. You will be able to get your work done faster and more efficiently without being constantly flooded with the demands of other people. They will always be there when you are done.
5. BREATHE
It's going to be okay. Finals week creates a lot of unnecessary stress for so many students. At the end of the day, you have to be confident in yourself and the decisions you are making. I promise you are doing enough. Don't kill yourself for a grade you can probably get without ripping your hair out. Just remember to breathe and know that you will get through it. And hey- you're not alone.
