1. Plan your schedule out by hour
The arguably worst possible thing that could happen during dead/finals week is forgetting to submit an assignment or missing an exam. Writing down everything you need to do before the week starts ensures that you'll stay organized, and planning your schedule down to the hour holds you accountable.
2. Make a good go-to study playlist
Personally, if I'm studying or doing any readings I gravitate to classical music, but if I'm working on a project or writing a paper I'll go for upbeat songs with lyrics. It all depends on preference, but finding music that motivates you and that you enjoy makes being productive that much easier.
Here are a few of my favorites on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/studyfocus/playlist/...
https://open.spotify.com/user/brycejones_74/playli...
https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i...
3. Use positive reinforcement on yourself
Set your timer for 30-60 minutes and spend that entire time working on something. When it goes off, treat yourself to a snack/Instagram break. This gives you something to look forward to while you're working and makes you feel like you've successfully completed a task once you're done.
Don't reward yourself for simply opening your textbook, though. I know it's tempting.
4. Find a support system
The most comforting thing during dead/finals week is hearing how much other people have on their to-do list–it's just nice to know you're not alone.
Studying with classmates is so beneficial because you can bounce ideas off of each other, speak the information you're trying to attain aloud (where are all my other auditory learners?) and hold one another accountable. Plus, it's more fun.
5. Go somewhere with a good atmosphere
I actually enjoy going to coffee shops or other aesthetically-pleasing places to get work done. A change of scenery can spark motivation, and you're distancing yourself from all of the distractions you have at home.
Pick your favorite study setting for the week and stick to it.
6. Coffee
Coffee can be a lifesaver for long study sessions (personally, it's become somewhat of a necessity), but make sure you aren't drinking too much–you can mess up your sleep schedule if you drink it too late in the day. Which leads me to...
7. Stick with a consistent sleep schedule
I really feel bad preaching this because I rarely practice it; however, it's important to understand how truly beneficial it is. Even if you're consistently going to bed at 1 a.m., that's better than going to bed at completely different times each night.
Sleep helps you retain information (which you already know), so get as much as possible!
Also, cramming at 4 a.m. is not going to help. Just go to bed.
8. Go to the gym
Be double the productive person you are and study while on the elliptical (or whatever your workout machine of choice is). During weeks as stressful as these, going to the gym is such a great way to clear your mind.
Plus, exercise ups your endorphins, which leads to feeling more motivated.
9. Be a health god
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables as snacks to sustain your energy–you can indulge in some sugary snacks if you're craving them, but they can cause you to crash.
Eating healthy this week will help you feel better about yourself, more put-together, and more energized.
10. Take it one day at a time
It's so, so easy to get overwhelmed during this time. Put everything into perspective and focus on the fact that you'll be 100% done in a matter of days. As long as you don't try to get everything done at once, you'll be fine.
Make sure to take care of yourself, too. You can't be successful if you're not in a good state of mind.
