Finals week can be really stressful and overwhelming, so here are certain reminders of things you shouldn’t forget are essential and you should definitely prioritize in the coming week:
1. Your beauty routine and relaxation
Often times, people tend to skip moisturizing or even showering during finals week due to added pressure and stress. However, I believe that finals week is the perfect time to pay extra attention to your skin care routine or to take an extra hot bubble bath with soothing music. In fact, this can help calm your nerves and relax your mind so after the break, you can continue studying with greater alertness.
2. Getting enough sleep
It’s not uncommon to neglect sleep during finals week. In fact, most of us pull all-nighters to cram up a week’s worth of studying into a night. However, psychologists suggest that a good night’s rest can actually make your mind more alert and sharp, along with increasing your memory retention. So don’t forget to get a good eight hours of sleep before your exam(s)!
3. Actually studying
It’s crunch time and procrastination is NOT your friend. Don’t take a TV break, if it will turn into a binge and will relentlessly distract you. Take short breaks instead – go for a walk, grab a drink from the Starbucks in Amherst, or hang out with a friend.
4. Packing ahead of time
Usually packing comes second, and we almost forget about it. Especially for international students, packing can be a real hassle considering the effort it takes to find a reasonably priced storage unit. I think it’s essential to find a storage unit a week or so before finals week begins, and to pack a little everyday, leaving only the essentials for the final one or two days, as packing absolutely everything at once can be really difficult.
5. Eating
Stress can sometimes either cause us to overeat or to skip meals, neither of which are good for you. Despite the stresses that come with exams, it is crucial to eat three balanced meals a day. This can also serve as a break from the monotony of constantly studying, and making sure to take care of your basic needs should not be undermined due to academic pressures.
Despite being on a time crunch, don’t neglect these during finals, as they can be really helpful for your exam performance by de-stressing as well as in your personal health. Good luck for finals!
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