Unfortunately, the dreaded dead days and finals are approaching. It is that time of year everyone. The presentations, projects, exams and everything that could be given during school is being given. With my two papers, one exam, three projects, and three presentations....it seems this is where the 18 hours of classes really seems to kick my butt and no, none of them are considered my finals. As I just seem to get over the hump of my mound of work, dead days will slap me in the face. Here are some tips to help you get through dead days.
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1. Get lots of rest.
YES! I am telling you to get some more sleep. You are welcome. This is probably the best of the list. You brain will not function properly on 4 hours a night, I am sorry to say. Rest is so important in your brain function and memory retention. So get under those covers and snuggle up for a good 8 hours.
2. Eat healthy.
This does not mean you can't have your nightly craving of chocolate or pizza at 11 p.m. Just make sure you are having well-balanced meals of carbs, fat, and protein. You want your body to be in prime functioning mode to help with more energy so you are not like how I was last year, falling asleep in the library at 10 p.m. the day before your biggest final. Try to optimize your body's function in every way possible.
3. Do not cram. Please please please.
Yes, we all do. It is so tempting. But in the eyes of finals, it is not a good idea. While not only would it suck to have to study one subject for 8 hours the night before an exam, but you will wear yourself out. Try to space out your studying by multiple subjects switching every hour or so to give your head a break.
4. Make review notes.
This is something that has helped me over the years in studying for big exams. While doing a big review, notice what I do and do not know. Make a list of all the main topics you have learned and when going through each ones, write the ones you do not know off the top of your head to study. You will most likely remember the others if you already know them, but focus on that which you do not...because if you have luck like I do, it will probably be what is on the majority of the exam.
5. Take use of dead days.
You are given a few days off before finals to dedicate your time to studying. USE IT!
6. Don't overwhelm yourself.
On the other hand, take it a day and subject at a time. Do not freak yourself out and have a panic attack the night before your biggest exam. Study, but make sure to take breaks to have time to yourself. Yes, this the perfect time to watch some Netflix or go grab something to eat with some friends.
7. Keep it mind, it is just a test.
Yes, these finals do matter and yes GPA does matter. But like you've heard before, they do not define you. All you can do is your best and that is all that matters. In 30 years, an A or a B on a final, will not ruin your life. Take a breather and do the best you can, because that is all you can do. It is just a test. It is not your life.
8. An act of kindness.
Open the door for someone. Give a smile. Buy the person behind you a coffee. Every body is stressed and trying to not drown in the sea of finals. Everyone could use a little bit of human kindness.
