We all can see it — the end of the quarter is so close! Spring break is right around the corner and soon we’ll be off for a week, hopefully relaxing on a beach somewhere. Until then, it’s time to face reality. Dead week is here, rearing its ugly head. To some, dead week may even be more stressful than finals week because of research papers, projects and final assignments. Most of all, we all have the ever-looming stress of knowing those finals are coming up. Well, relax! We’re all in this together. Here are some tips on how to conquer dead week and sail through finals with flying colors.
1. Don’t look at stress as a bad thing.
When talking about how stress can affect your life, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal said stress can sometimes be beneficial.
“I would say that’s really the best way to make decisions is go after what it is that creates meaning in your life, and then trust yourself to handle the stress that follows,” she said in the Ted Talk How to Make Stress Your Friend.
When you think of stress as something you can handle and will persevere through, it can be a healthy and rewarding experience. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, slow down, take a few deep breaths and vent about how you feel to someone. Psychologists say this can be extremely helpful, and I highly suggest watching McGonigal’s Ted Talk here.
2. Plan out your schedule.
Have back-to-back finals? The worst thing you can do is try to study for them both concurrently. Set aside a distinct time to study for each final, but don’t flip flop back and forth between two different classes’ finals. Even plan out times with study groups to keep yourself on track.
3. Stay healthy. Eat, sleep, exercise.
One of the biggest mistakes college students make during dead week is pulling all nighters. Studies have proven that staying up all night does not help! Ever! Try your best to get eight hours of sleep every night, and if you can’t do that, naps are a great way to catch up on missed sleep.
Also, don’t skip meals. Eat as healthy as you can putting food in your body that’s going to fuel your brain, not make you feel sluggish and exhausted. Six small meals a day will keep your metabolism going, as well as your mind and body. By sleeping and eating properly, you are much less likely to get sick, and that is the last thing anyone needs the week before finals. Take care of yourself!
4. It’s all about the ambiance.
Find a study spot that works for you. Somewhere quiet with few likely distractions is ideal. TV’s, computers, roommates and cellphones are some of the most common study inhibitors. For iPhone users, the manual Do Not Disturb setting is great. Also, only bring with you what you actually need to get things done. If you do not necessarily need your computer, don’t bring it. Don’t study with friends who you know are gabby and won’t let you get work done. Find an environment that is comfortable and where you can disconnect from the world.
5. Give yourself a little R&R (rest and relaxation)
This is the number one thing college students forget to do. It is so important for your mental and physical health to give yourself breaks while studying. A 15-minute break to get some food, check your Facebook or just relax will not kill you, as long as you stay on track.
Remember you are smart and you can do this! Positive thoughts make positive outcomes and handling stress is just a matter of tackling a problem, finding a creative solution and following through with your plan. Good luck!