Fellow Bobcats, it breaks my heart that Thanksgiving has come and passed, and that we are on the brink of finals week. Your belly is probably still full, and you’re still existing in a post-food coma from all that wonderful food you ate (calories don’t matter during Thanksgiving), and the last thing on your mind is school. I feel ya. But we only have one week of classes left before finals are upon us, so here are a few tips to help get you through the most difficult week of the semester!
1. Get plenty of sleep.
This is the most important tip I can give you. I know we’re all guilty of pulling all nighters, but the best way to make sure you’re ready for your 8 am final is to make sure you’re well-rested. Not getting enough sleep can impair your memory, and no one wants to be groggy when they’re taking a test.
2. Drink water instead of coffee.
Water improves your energy levels more than coffee, and it helps keep you healthy—something that is definitely importnat during finals week. Coffee will guarantee unplanned bathroom breaks, bad breath, and you might have a hard time falling asleep at the end of the day.
3. Make a to-do list.
It’s vital that you use your time wisely as you prepare for finals. In the morning, make a list of things that you need to accomplish for the day and cross them out as you finish things! It feels so good being able to see your list get smaller, and this way you’ll make sure that you aren’t forgetting to do anything.
4. Don’t cram.
Studies show that you’re most likely to only remember the beginning and end of what you’re studying. Space out the matieral you’re studying and move around! You want to make sure that you’re using your time effectively.
5. Take breaks when you need them.
Study for about 30-50 minutes in one session and then take a 10 minute break. Studying in bursts help you improve your information retention, so use these breaks to walk around, eat some food, or to do some yoga to help you relax. Or you can even have a dance party to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Whatever floats your boat. Just don’t use this time to watch TV or play games on Facebook. Ttry not to use any brainpower during these breaks so you’re really giving your brain a chance to relax.