Summer is around the corner and trying to finish those last few weeks of school is worse than getting a root canal. Whether you’re in the dumps or need a perk up, I have the solution to your impeding finals. In the land where crazy and insomnia rein, you sometimes forget to take care of yourself. Neglecting sleep, food, or a break can wear you down and make things that much harder in the long run. I’ve discovered that the best way to push through is to take a few minutes to just stop and breathe. Here’s a few of my favorite things to get me to slow down.
1. Take a bath: It isn’t just for little kids. Stock up on bath salts, bubbles, or whatever it is that makes your bath that more enjoyable. Not only do you give your muscles a break, but your overworked brain will appreciate this small R&R.
2. Treat yourself to something nice: It doesn’t have to cost oodles of dollars. Getting yourself a boba, a cup of tea, or yogurt allows you to devote a few moments to you and you alone. After all, getting good grades comes from giving yourself positive reinforcement.
3. Silence is golden: find someplace quiet or tranquil enough to let your head relax. Hit up the arboretum, a park, or your bedroom and just tune out the world. By taking this one break could promote better studying and ultimately help you ace that test.
4. Flashbacks: You might start asking yourself, “Why, oh why, did I take this class?!” After all, the midterms and papers are making you question your decision to get yourself into this predicament. Take a step back and remember the reason why you’re doing this. Is it for your future career? Will it mean going to graduate school? Whatever the reason is, focus on that and make it work to your advantage.
5. Sticky Notes: If you need to be reminded how great you are or just something to boost your confidence, sticky notes are just the comfort food you need. Place them around your room with little encouraging messages to get you through the day. As an added bonus, ask your friends to do it with you. Before you know it, you’ll take on the world. And that final.
6. Keep a picture or memento that helps you through it: by keeping a picture of your dream job, car, boyfriend, house, etc., you’re more likely to want to work towards it. In my case, I want to look great for my Australia trip so I keep a picture of Sydney Harbor to pump me up. Apply that to your finals and you might just find yourself with a better grade.
Before you know it, the nightmare will be over. The important thing to remember is that you’re only as good as our body and if you neglect it, you’re more likely to do harm to yourself than boost your grade. Your health always comes first.
sources:
http://thecollegejuice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Finals-List.jpg
http://blog.timesunion.com/college/files/2011/12/finals.jpg
http://images.inmagine.com/img/corbis/crbs048/crbs0480381.jpg
http://api.ning.com/files/ihRIOSDg40i6lTH8Cm776JOw*KPlOIkk1RSUw2qzLUhUT2…