It’s that time of the year… again. If you’re anything like me, the end of the semester really crept up on you. Here are some helpful tips to deal with finals week approaching quickly:
- Agenda
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First things first, write down your schedule for the rest of the semester if you haven’t already. If you don’t have an agenda… get one. Take into consideration jobs, clubs, sporting events, etc. Write them all down. Double check that none of your finals conflict with each other and if they do contact your professors immediately. Get ahead of the game and start preparing.
- Do Not Procrastinate
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That voice in your head saying, “one more episode,” or, “there’s always tomorrow,” is not your friend. Instead, try rewarding yourself after you’ve crossed something off your to-do list. You’ll realize that once you get started, it’ll be easier to keep going. Remember to keep in mind realistic goals. Don’t try to complete everything in one night. Strategically plan out your days to be able to get the most out of them.
- Remember, the End is in Sight
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What is your favorite holiday tradition to partake in with your friends or family? Hold on to that memory through the final weeks of the semester. Let it motivate you to finish strong. Perhaps a different motivation might work best for you—maybe the fact you’re almost one semester closer to graduating will help give you that extra boost. Find your motivation and run with it.
- Dress to De-stress
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Try putting on a cute outfit and doing your makeup. When you look good, you feel good! This is a quick and easy way to start off a good day. It can motivate you to be productive and will prevent you from napping and ruining your makeup!
- Take Time For Yourself
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Remember to take time for yourself in the midst of all the chaos. This doesn’t have to be unhealthy or expensive. It could be a simple face mask while reviewing your notecards or maybe it’s snacking on some delicious fruit. Or, if you’re feeling extra crazy, maybe working out will do the trick. Take study breaks and treat yourself with kindness. Your mind and body will thank you!
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep
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By compromising your sleep, you are putting yourself at risk for sickness as well as unhealthy habits. As we all know, it is recommended to get 8 hours of sleep every night and, let’s be real, that seems very unrealistic. However, this is where great time management comes into play. Completing your work in a timely fashion will allow you to be able to go to bed earlier. This is the time of the year when you can’t afford to get sick, so get a good night’s sleep. Also, remember to take your vitamins!
- Reach Out For Help
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There’s a reason it’s called the Notre Dame Family! We as a community are your home away from home, so please reach out to friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You are surrounded by people that care about you and who want to see you succeed. Also, it can often help to talk about your stresses with the University Counseling Center, so please know that is an option!