Finals are upon us. And with finals come stressful group projects, lengthy papers, and the inevitable bout of stress. Although it can be a little overwhelming, staying calm during this tough time can really help in keeping your grades up and making sure you pass all your finals. Here are a few tips for keeping your stress levels to a minimum during a not-so-exciting time of the year.
1. Get plenty of sleep.
Nothing is worse than taking an exam or writing a paper with heavy eyes. It's much easier to concentrate and study when you are rested. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep during finals and study weeks is essential in making sure you are able to remember everything you’ve worked so hard to learn.
2. Make a to-do list.
In order to keep track of all your assignments and miscellaneous tasks, write them down on a piece of paper or post it note in order to make sure you don't forget anything important. Keep it on your desk or planner, or wherever you’ll be able to keep track of it best. If you think of more tasks that need to get done, add them to the list so you know you won’t miss a single one.
3. Cross off items on your list as you accomplish them.
The best feeling is crossing off items on your to-do list. So grab your favorite pen or marker and mark it off as you go. Trust me, it makes completing all the assignments and tasks so much more fulfilling when you can take them off your list.
4. Eat full meals.
I often find myself getting caught up in my assignments, and forgetting to grab a meal. Sometimes concentrating too hard can make you lose track of time, or not even realize your stomach is growling. But it's extremely important to feed your belly and your brain, so make sure to take the time to grab a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
5. Take time to relax.
While you may have a lot to do, taking a study break will help you in the long run. It can be hard on your eyes and back to sit in front of your computer all day, so give yourself some time for a nap, or simply sit outside and enjoy some sun. Clearing your mind of academic thoughts will help you stay focused when it’s time to return to the study lounge.
6. Pace yourself.
Whatever you do, don't procrastinate. The worst feeling is having to complete a bunch of assignments on top of the deadline. Although some people work best under pressure, set your own smaller deadlines before the due date, in order to avoid overwhelming yourself. You'll feel much less stressed when you work on things slowly and without a rush.
7. Don't drink too much coffee.
Drinking too much coffee can make mess with your eating and your sleep cycles. Try to avoid too much caffeine in one day. If you find yourself getting sleepy during your study time, take the perfect 26 minute nap. It's the perfect amount of time to get you reenergized without the effects of caffeine on your body.
We're all in this together. We've all survived every other finals week, so take these tips and trust me...
