Here we are, the home stretch. Thanksgiving is a fleeting memory, and the holiday break is so close you can't think about anything else. Only one thing stands between us and freedom: Finals Week, or Hell Week, depending on which term you prefer. We may all make it out alive (fingers crossed), but a few of us may feel as though we were chewed up and spit out by some humongous beast while others will breeze through with barely a scratch. Here are a few tips (and cat gifs and pics) to ensure that you're in the latter group. Follow these tips and you'll be in great shape by the time you see your family.
1. Create a road map
Good things come to those who PLAN. I am a strong believer in this myself; I write tasks that need to get done and their designated times in a planner I got from Target so that I stay on top of things. For finals week, it would be good to plan out your study times and also your break times so you can get a handle on timing. This is a good way to stop procrastination before it starts. Writing yourself small reminders during this week will definitely be a lifesaver as well. My desk in my room is absolutely drowning in Post-Its and daily reminders to ensure that I stay on task. I'm also currently in the process of writing down inspirational quotes for my roommates and myself to help us stay positive throughout the entire week.
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2. Get rid of social media
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter. Delete all of these apps from your phone at the start of Finals Week so you won't get distracted. Fifteen minutes on social media (or more, who are we kidding?) is precious time lost where you could be getting more sleep or studying. Although leaving the relatable finals week memes may be hard, be ahead of the curve. Side note: no one wants to see your study status updates during #finalsweek anyway.
3. Buy healthy snacks in advance
This is key if you don't want to gain the finals flab during this stressful week. We all know that stress eating is real thing. That's why it's good to stock up on healthy snacks, so when you do binge, at least it will be healthier than eating an entire carton of Ben & Jerry's while studying for Chem. I suggest getting dried fruit, nuts, plenty of water to balance out all the caffeine you're probably going to consume, celery sticks (they take a long time to digest and help you feel fuller; same goes for apples), and yogurt. If you do buy your favorite snack because you just can't survive this week without it (looking at you, Oreos) make sure you buy them in small, individually wrapped packages rather than one bigger package. Studies have shown that we consume more when we're eating out of a large package (think a family-size box of Lucky Charms) than when it's individually packaged in smaller portions. Although it may be a little more expensive, it'll definitely be worth it calories-wise.
4. Do yoga
I don't really like yoga as a workout, however, it really does help release stress. It's actually extremely easy to do and can be done in really small spaces, a.k.a. our dorm rooms (shoutout to my fellow Hedrick Hall residents). Plan out a small ten minute yoga session during one of your study breaks for every day of Finals Week, and you'll be more relaxed than 95 percent of the student body during this week. I say 95 percent because there's always that 5 percent that's made up of those kids who don't stress at all yet still manage to ace all their finals. We really hate you guys, can you be calm and collected somewhere else? Just kidding... tell us your secrets though.
5. Get lots of sleep
This is probably the most important tip, besides the final tip. It may seem smart to stay awake all night studying for your finals, but that is definitely a horrible crash-and-burn strategy. You are damaging your brain. Our brains need rest; sleep is important for our short term and long term memory, as well our immune systems. Lack of sleep leads to loss of focus, memory gaps, and a lowered immune system, not to mention the fact that you'll look like shit the entire week. I don't understand why "all-nighters" have become a mark of dedication and intelligence in society. No. If you follow Step One, you can plan out your study times and still get to bed at a manageable time. Get your sleep. People our age require around eight hours to be fully functioning. Don't let finals week turn you into a zombie. Campus should not look like a set from "The Walking Dead."
6. Avoid people who distract you or cause drama in your life
We're in college, a place I'd usually press you to socialize in. However, Finals Week is a different animal entirely. Be asocial if it keeps you on task. This week is about you and your grades. Nothing else. Choose who you hang out with during this week wisely, or you might find yourself talking for 45 minutes about the last "Parks and Rec" episode instead of studying. Don't text that girl you're interested in until you get your work done. If you know someone who causes drama, stay the hell away from that person instead of getting caught up in their drama. If becoming a recluse will help you get that A, disappear from the world for a while to do your thing. Whatever it takes.
7. Talk to people
Although you should avoid distracting people, talk to the people you do like to boost your mood and alleviate stress. During your breaks, call your parents or talk to close friends to chill out for second. It makes a difference, and you won't realize the need for human interaction until you talk to someone; it definitely beats trying to vent to your books.
8. Try the Pomodoro method of studying
I just read about this the other day, and you might want to try it out! The Pomodoro technique is a way of studying that increases productivity while reducing mental fatigue so you can get more done in less time. Sounds fantastic, right? So basically, you budget your time into short increments split between breaks. You work for 25 minutes, and then take a short break for 5 minutes. Each 25 minute work period is called a pomodoro (yes, it's the Italian word for tomato, because this method was invented by Francesco Cirillo, who used a timer shaped like a tomato) and after four pomodoros have passed, you take a 15-20 minute break. Then repeat. Seems simple enough, you might want to try it out.
9. Find a good study spot
Pick a spot you'd like to study in and stick to it. A nice, quiet location that you feel comfortable and focused in will do the trick. I personally like studying outside, but pick a spot free from distraction and be prepared to do some serious work.
10. Actually study
I mean, duh. Except a lot students spend a large chunk of time freaking out for their tests rather than actually getting down and studying for them. You have two options: freak out for your tests and fail, or study for your tests and possibly fail, but also possibly do well. I'd go for the latter.
Good luck to everyone during finals week! Don't freak out, stay healthy, get a lot of sleep, and follow these tips. I'm praying for all of us. Finals Week, do your worst.
