Ah yes, finals week. The infamous time where everyone is busy printing out papers, writing ten page essays and trying to fit in time to watch Netflix. I get it. You’re stressed, tired, and on the verge of losing it. Maybe some memes would explain this better:
Well, no fear! Grace is here! Here are some tips on how to manage finals week, and even the weeks before:
1) Meditate.
I have found meditation to be extremely helpful when it comes to finals and everyday life in general. Some people think meditating is too weird, and I get that. But even if you lie down and listen to music for a couple minutes, that works too. But if you’re interested in meditating, Calm is an app I would highly recommend. That’s the one I use. It gives you all kinds of options for guided meditations. I feel so much better and more relaxed after I meditate. Try it!
2) Exercise.
I know you’re probably thinking, “say what?” Yes. Exercising helps your mind to focus. Endorphins are released when exercising. This makes you happier and calmer. Plus, you can jam out to your favorite songs while exercising! It’s your own music fest!
3) Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
This is also a tricky one, especially when there’s a huge platter of cookies and cakes, and containers of ice cream in the dining hall. But healthy eating helps you study better. If you eat right, you’ll do better on your final exams. How cool is that? I know it’s tempting to grab a Snickers bar out of the vending machine when you’re studying late at night, but have some healthy snacks (oranges, unsalted nuts, non-fat yogurt) in your room. That way you are eating better, and you don’t have to pay anything! If your college uses Sodexo, use this cool app called Bite. Enter your college and it will provide you with all the meals that the dining hall will be serving that week. I use that along with the app
4) Work hard, play hard.
Are you the type of person who works really hard and does not give yourself any fun? Or are you the person who has a ton of fun and does not work? Either way, people need to find a balance. I have struggled with this, but I have found the perfect balance. Sure, it changes from high school to college and so on, but you get better at finding a balance once you have found it once. If you are working for five hours straight, that is not good for your mental and psychical health. Take a break! Hang out with some friends, take a walk, or get some food. However, if you are always hanging out with friends, that is not good either. Go and study for finals! Life is all about finding a balance. Good luck!
5) Lastly, put it in perspective.
If you work very hard studying for a final and you feel confident about how the final went yet you got a low grade, do not stress. This is not the apocalypse. The world is not ending, your life is not ruined, you are fine. Grades do not define you. You are much more than a grade. Keep calm and carry on.
Good luck on finals! Take them on with confidence and remember that summer break is right around the corner.
