Tenth Week: the week of review sessions, flashcard-making, late nights of studying, and wishing you paid more attention during that first-week lecture. We all feel the pressure to do well on our finals, but sometimes that pressure can become a major source of stress. Here are a few ways to ensure that your tenth and finals weeks are full of peace, happiness, and successful study time.
1. Study in a beautiful spot: Locking yourself in your room to study for hours at a time will only make you feel claustrophobic and isolated. Try bringing your flashcards to Sunset Rec, stretch out with a book on the grass by Janss Steps, relax on a bench in the sculpture garden, or sunbathe by the fountain near Royce. Feeling calm while studying will allow you to be more productive.
2. Plan time for fun: Make sure to schedule breaks into your study time; plan a dinner with friends in Westwood, watch a funny movie, get a pedicure. Knowing that you have something to look forward to will motivate you to stick to your blocks of study time.
3. Hit the gym: Studies have consistently shown that exercise releases feel-good endorphins, increases self-confidence, improves sleep, and lowers stress levels. Whether it’s a short walk between review sessions, a yoga class, or half an hour on the elliptical, exercise will let you release tension and experience a deeper sense of relaxation.
4. Have naptime: It’s not just for preschool anymore. During finals it’s easy to justify not getting enough sleep because of studying, but you will actually study better with a full night of sleep—and if you can’t fit it in, take a short nap during the day.
5. Meditate: Take five minutes to close your eyes and clear your mind. Try easy breathing techniques: breathe in for five seconds, then out for five seconds. Meditation not only helps you relax but will help you focus on your work.
6. Laugh: Take five minutes to watch a funny YouTube video and lower your stress level. Some suggestions:
• Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF9-sEbqDvU
• Double Rainbow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI
• Hide Your Kids, Hide Your Wife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNhaLUT520
• Swimming Piglet: http://wimp.com/swimmingpiglet
7. Pet a puppy: If you live on the Hill, enjoy the pre-finals tradition of “Fluffy Friends for Finals” at 6:00pm on Wednesday, March 9, in DeNeve Plaza Room. You can’t help but be happy when surrounded by puppies, right?
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036
Picutres:
http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/0414-hot-yoga_vg.jpg