Finals week is here, which means you can’t find a cubicle in Bartle, people are brushing their teeth next to you in the library bathroom, everyone’s sleep deprived, everyone’s breaking out, everyone’s eating junk food…you know the rest. Guess what, collegiettes: finals week doesn’t have to be so terrible! It’s okay to be apprehensive about your exams, but the week of finals doesn’t have to be so dramatic. Have no fear; we’re here to tell you some ways to deal with stress during the most important week of the semester:
1. TAKE ADVANTAGE!
Binghamton has some great programs during what they call “De-Stress December”. Decadent dessert buffets in the dining halls, free cookies and coffee at Jazzman’s, therapy dogs, and free massages and Zumba classes at the Rec center. Take advantage of these opportunities! They will help distract you during the mayhem. Also, if you’re really feeling overwhelmed, the counseling center is open for free therapy sessions with trained people you can take to.
2. PAMPER YOURSELF!
We all need to take study breaks, so why not treat yourself to a little something special for all the hard work you’ve been doing? Give yourself a homemade facial or a mani pedi. Go out for a nice meal with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.
3. EAT HEALTHY AND EXERICSE!
If all you’re eating in junk during finals week, you’re likely to feel sluggish and groggy. You will get more studying done if you brain is fueled with healthy foods. Try to eat an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid the tempting ‘nowl during late night studying!
4. GET SOME SLEEP
Pulling an all-nighter is not going to help you do better on that calc exam. It is IMPERATIVE to get enough sleep so you’re functioning during this week of studying. I like to get to bed relatively early and wake up at a reasonable hour so I can be productive during the day and not be studying all night long. Those slumber parties in the group study rooms on the fourth floor of Bartle just aren’t okay.
5. BE CONFIDENT
You got this! Surround yourself with positive people and keep telling yourself that you can do this. Set small goals for yourself. Meditate. Listen to classical music. Just keep calm and carry on, and finals week will be over before you know it! Then it’s time for nearly six weeks of blissful relaxation. Happy studying collegiettes!