As finals week looms overhead, it’s time to start talking strategy. While the finals experience differs from major to major, there are some common things everyone can do to make their week a little more pleasant.
- Take it a little at a time
While every final differs in form, whether they be an essay, an exam, or a project, they can all be overwhelming in their own right. In many cases, the final is something you’re aware of long before it will actually happen. Take the opportunity to work everything a little at a time rather than drown yourself in it last minute. If you have an exam, study a bit every night leading up to it instead of pulling an all-nighter trying to cram.
- Don’t drive yourself stir crazy
While locking yourself in your room or a lab for a whole week might sound like a good idea at the time, it might be less beneficial than you’d think. Being alone and isolated might help you keep focus for a while but eventually, you might start going crazy. Take some time to leave your space and clear up your head. It can be as small as taking a small walk but it can make a big difference.
- Don’t suffer alone
- Don’t put off sleep
It’s a common idea that when finals roll around you can kiss your sleep schedule goodbye. While there is a lot of work to be done, it’s very important that you are still getting sleep. Work hard all day but give yourself the hours you need to recharge and get back at it the next day. When we don’t sleep, our brains are unable to work at full capacity. So while you may think staying up all night studying or writing is more productive than snoozing, it’s actually really detrimental not only to your health but to your productivity as well. If you’re not working at your maximum effort, sometimes its almost as if there’s no point to it anyway. If you stay up all night studying but your brain wasn’t running for half those hours, it’s as if you didn’t study anyway. So while it might be hard to pull yourself away from the books and make time, your body and your mind will be grateful for a few hours of good sleep (and you’ll be thanking yourself when that exam comes along).
- Know your limits
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to take care of yourself. Yes, exams and grades are important but they don’t come above your own health and wellness. Try your best and work hard but don’t destroy yourself over it. Know your limits and when you need to take a break or call it a day. It can be hard to give yourself the attention you need at times like these but it’s important that you make time for yourself. Taking a minute might not seem like a big deal but it can be vital to surviving finals and making it to the other side still somewhat sane.
Finals can be very intimidating and overwhelming but these are a few simple things to consider that could help you make it through. Don’t let the end of your semester be defined by stress. Work hard, take care of yourself and you’ll make it through to the other side. No matter what your finals situation is like this semester, do your best and good luck!