And just like that, finals week is back to destroy our self-esteem and annihilate our sleeping schedules. Finals has a funny little way of stressing people out to the point of hair-loss, and we, here at HCBC, want you all to avoid that. Here are some tips and tricks we use for keeping our stress under control!
1. Don’t Over-caffeinate
Coming straight from a long-time coffee addict herself, trust me on this one. A certain amount of coffee is totally necessary during finals- to keep you awake, happy, and sane- but too much can have the complete opposite effects. Excess caffeine can cause anxiousness, which finals provide plenty of. Caffeination in moderation is key.
2. Get a handle on your stress
Finals have a nasty habit of putting the mother-of-all tension knots in our necks- that’s why it’s important to practice some relaxation tricks! Use your study breaks to try to relieve yourself of the existential dread looming over your head. Some of the tricks I use are deep-breathing, running warm water over my hands, or closing my eyes for a minute or two. If you get the chance to leave O’Neill and head back to your room, try lying back with a cold, wet facecloth over your forehead and eyes (my new favorite).
3. Avoid Isolation
Don’t deprive yourself of some much-needed human contact during finals week. Take some time out of the day to see some friends or take a walk outside O’Neill and call your mom. Talking to people is important to remind yourself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and, more importantly, that you’re not alone.
4. Listen to Your Body
It’s important to listen to your body when it’s telling you what it needs, whether it is sleep, water, or simply a break. Don’t ignore it! Stay hydrated, stay nourished, and try your best to stay rested. Side note: getting some sleep in the two nights before an exam is entirely more beneficial than last-minute cramming. Make time for your body’s basic needs, because without them you’ll be tired and unable to focus.
5. Start Planning Early
Map out your finals week schedule and know when you need to be studying and what for. Start as early as possible to give yourself enough time to really understand the information. This is always easier said than done, but it get’s easier when you remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing! Try to look at the bigger picture!
6. Stay Positive
Sometimes it’s hard to keep your eyes on the prize during finals week (that prize being winter break and a GPA that won’t make you want to hide under a rock), but it’s important to stay as positive as possible. Remember that this is all worth it and remind your friends, too! Other people will really appreciate your positivity.
Finals week is never fun, but we will all get through it! Have some confidence in yourself and take solace in the fact that putting in hard work WILL yield the results you’re hoping for! We’ve totally got this! And if all else fails, take this sound bit of advice:
Sources
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https://onelostmama.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/cinderella.jpg
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