The dreaded week of finals is upon us. Just the thought of all the studying and last-minute projects you have to do makes your head pound. It’s time to pull all-nighters, drink way too much caffeine, and hate yourself for procrastinating so much this past quarter. Here are 10 helpful tips that will make your hell week a lot less, well, hellish.
1. Stay organized
Keep a binder for all of the subjects you need to study for. Having all of your notes in an accessible binder will make studying a lot easier, and it will keep your desk clutter-free. Also, make sure to have a designated place for all of your belongings. It’s one less thing to worry about when you are running late, and don't have to think twice about where you placed your laptop charger.
2. Actually use your agenda
It’s time to put that aesthetically pleasing agenda you bought at Target in the beginning of the year to use. Write down every single thing you have to get done this week, and set a deadline for yourself as to when to have it completed by. Writing all of your to-dos down will keep your mind from being overwhelmed, and checking things off your to-do list is pretty damn rewarding.
3. Make time for fun
“Time for fun? How can I possibly have time for fun?” Well, my friend, believe it or not, there is always time for fun. Now, this doesn't mean you get to take a five-hour shopping break, or should go hang out with your friends all day, no. Making time for fun simply means that in between studying, you give yourself study breaks every one or two hours to do something you enjoy. By giving yourself some fun time, you will give your brain a break, and you will become less tense. Maybe watch an episode of the latest season of “Parks and Recreation,” or check up on social media. Whatever you do, just make sure you don't lose track of time.
4. Eat healthy
As hard as it is to eat healthy during one of the most busy and stressful weeks of your college career, it’s not impossible to do so. It’s the little choices that make a difference. When at Starbucks for example, choose the Greek yogurt with fruit over the holiday snowman cookie. Drink water instead of a Pepsi. Making these healthy food choices will give you longer-lasting energy, and they will ensure that you don’t feel guilty having a third cookie at your family Christmas party, which is right around the corner.
5. Look forward to the future
Now, I am all about living in the moment, but when you are drowning in trying to remember several math equations, then the moment you're in isn't too great. In instances such hell week, looking forward to the future isn’t a bad thing. Just think, in less than seven days, you will be back at home in your own bed, cuddling with your cats, and your biggest worry will be which one of your favorite meals you should have your mom cook you first. I know studying sucks, but there are only a few more days left until you are stress-free.
6. Get some fresh air
When you are on the grind of studying and lose track of all time, it’s easy to stay cooped up inside your room while letting the day slip away without going outside even once. Although, you really need to get rid of this habit because it’s good to step away from your area of work for a while. Take a step outside, and go on a walk, which will help alleviate your stress. Let the crisp fall air fill your lungs, and forget about all your responsibilities for a few moments.
7. Call you long-distance best friend
It’s week 10, you are overwhelmed, both mentally and psychically exhausted, and in desperate need of your other half. Hearing your best friend’s reassuring voice will instantly put you in a better mood, and talking about what’s on your mind will make you feel so much better. So go ahead and give them a call, complain all you want, and get everything off your chest. Chances are they need this phone call as much as you do. That’s what friends are for right?
8. Make a motivational playlist
Listening to my favorite music always pumps me up, and instantly makes anything I’m doing more fun. If I were to get assigned a nine-page essay on the topic of how furniture is made, as long as I was listening to music by my favorite band, The Killers, then I would be perfectly content doing it. Creating a new Spotify playlist full of all your favorite feel-good songs will make studying seem like a breeze.
9. Take a breather
With all that you have going on, it’s easy to forget simply to breathe, and to remember that there is a life outside of studying. So, go on a run, pray, meditate, or do whatever works for you in order to take a moment to find some peace of mind. It will help re-focus you, and you will be able to go back to your studies with a set of fresh new thoughts. Don’t forget that while finals week may feel like the end of the world, it’s not.
10. Pat yourself on the back
You have been working your ass off. You’re practically Blair Waldorf on a power trip. So, don’t forget to congratulate yourself for each assignment you check off your agenda and for each final you successfully complete. You are almost to the end, so drink that double-shot espresso, and listen to your favorite pump-up jam. You've got this.
