Finals week is fast approaching at IUP; you can tell by the lightning strikes and threatening thunder rolling in the distance. But don’t let finals rain on your parade this year…follow these few tips to stay ahead of the storm and to rock your exams!
1.) Unplug!
Close out of Snapchat, turn off Parks & Recreation, and give up on that level of Candy Crush. Once you nix the technology, you will find it much easier to focus on your studies. It is amazing how much studying you can get done when the glare from your iPhone screen isn’t blocking your view of your textbooks!
2.) Attend office hours.
While studying, you may come across material that you a.) do not remember learning or b.) simply do not understand. Cue your professors! Do not be afraid to go to your professors for help…that is what they are there for! They have designated office hours for a reason, take advantage of them while you can. It will be so worth it when you come across material that you once struggled with on your exam and end up answering the question correctly.
3.) Eat healthy.
Ditch the Ramen noodles, popcorn, and fast food…yes, this includes Chipotle. These types of food will only make you feel energized for an hour or two before causing you to crash – hard. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates and snacks high in protein to keep you focused, alert, and satiated. These types of food include raw walnuts and almonds, vegetables, fruit, or Greek yogurt and granola. Thirsty? Don’t reach for the Coca-Cola or Caramel Mocha Javalanche Machiatto Frappe. Try drinking a glass of low-fat milk, water with lemon, or make your own delicious fruit smoothie. These drinks will keep you feeling hydrated and energized without the crash that often follows a caffeine high.
4.) Exercise!
It doesn’t have to be a ten mile jog. Just simply going out for a short walk around campus will energize you enough to power you through a study session. See nature blooming in the Oak Grove, stop to smell the flowers outside of Wallwork, watch the sunset over Fisher hall…just experience a change of scenery. In turn, endorphins will be produced in your body, and you’ll be motivated before you know it.
5.) Early to bed!
I know it is easier said than done, but the difference between an A and a C has a lot to do with the amount of sleep you get. Instead of studying late into the night the day before an exam, try to plan your studying out through the entire week. That way, you will be more likely to retain more information and hit the hay much earlier!
Good luck with all of your exams this semester, Crimson Hawks. And remember, no matter how you do, you worked hard this year and should be so proud of yourself!