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Finals prove to be one of the most stressful times for college students, oftentimes more so than even breaking up with a significant other. Even if you don’t normally get test anxiety or are an old pro at taking final exams, it is always good to know how to reduce the stress that comes along with the end of a semester.
The Week or so Before Finals
Prepare well in advanced.
You will feel a lot better about your week and your exams if you have studied the material in advanced and are comfortable with it. Start your studying the week before, or even over Thanksgiving, for exams that you fear may give you problems.
Along with this comes studying effectively. Know where you learn the best and go there, be that a noisy dining hall or a silent spot in the library.
SLEEP!
Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. If it comes down to studying for another hour or sleeping for that hour, you may want to consider choosing sleep. Sleep affects your focus, your memory, and your retrieval abilities—all things essential for an exam.
Take some time for yourself.
In between all of your studying, sleeping, and maybe working, take some time to relax and rest your mind. You can watch TV, go to the gym, take a walk, or just hang out and talk with friends. Your brain is like the rest of your body in that it can get overworked. You wouldn’t practice twice as hard for twice as long the night before a big game or else you would be too tired to perform.
The Minute or so Before Finals
Laugh!
“Laughter is the best medicine,” is more than just a saying. Laughing decreases cortisol (your stress hormone) and increases endorphins (your body’s natural pain relievers and mood enhancers). Right before you go in for your test, calm your nerves by telling a friend a funny story or watching a video that always makes you giggle. A little laugh goes a long way.
Take a deep breath; it’ll be all right.
Breathing deeply and focusing on relaxing your body can help to relax your mind. You may want to try visualizing your breath as it enters and leaves your body, or you may want to think of something simple and happy as you breath- like a warm day at the beach. No matter what you think of, close your eyes, imagine something very simple that has nothing to do with exams, and take a few deep breaths.
Don’t cram!
Trying to cram all of the information or look over your notes one more time as you are sitting there about to begin your test or in that few minutes before you leave will most likely only stress you out more during the exam. Doing this may also prime some information so it comes to your mind first even when it is not the right answer. Study enough in advance and take the time right before your exam to relax.
The Two Hours or so During Finals
Ask question.
If your professor allows you to come up and ask questions during the exam, take advantage of that. If there is a question where the wording is confusing or you are just entirely stumped, it doesn’t hurt to ask them for clarification or if they can reword the question for you. The worst that can happen is that they say no, which is hardly a risk when your grade is at stake. Â
Stay in the moment.
Don’t be thinking about what you are doing after you finish, if you friend is waiting for you at lunch, how the person beside you is doing, the fight you got into with your boyfriend last night, or anything else. Stay focused on the task at hand and leave all of your other worries behind. They most likely will either not have changed by the time you are done taking your test or will go away entirely when you hand it in, confident of your score.
Take a break.
That’s right, during your final, take a break. A lot of times, these exams are very long and exhausting. Taking a minute or two to close your eyes, go to that simple, happy place from before, and recharge your battery. Afterwards you will feel a little bit refreshed, and you will be able to perform better on your test.
Know that you can do it!
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember when taking your final is that you can succeed and get the grade you want. Don’t be cocky, but be confident that you know the information and will do your best.