Finals week is creeping up on college students everywhere! With four or five exams crammed into one week and not enough time in the day to study for them all, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help de-stress during finals week.
- Eat a snack
-
When studying for long periods, you need to refuel. Eating a healthy snack can help you get back on track and improve your mood. Some of my favorite study snacks are apples with peanut butter or crackers and cheese. Eating something nutritious will provide you with the energy to keep at it and ace your finals!
- Spend time with friends
-
Are you tired of studying? Your friends are too. Take a break to spend time with the people you care about! You could play games, get food or watch a movie. Don’t worry; your books will still be there when you get back. And, you’ll come back with a refreshed mind.
- Take breaks
-
Don’t stay locked in the library for hours on end. Make sure to take plenty of breaks in between study sessions. Relaxation is key to making sure you don’t experience burnout. Bonus tip: when studying, try the Pomodoro method; study for twenty-five minutes, and take a break for five.
Need break ideas? I suggest getting outside! Go for walks, stretch or even take a few minutes to breathe. Changing your environment is a great way to recharge your mind.
- know your schedule
-
If you’re anything like me, you forget when your finals are until the last minute. Avoid this problem by making sure to write all the dates down! Knowing your finals schedule will make your life ten times easier. Say goodbye to unnecessary stress by planning out your week in advance.
I recommend getting a planner or marking the days on your calendar. That way, you’ll know when all your exams are and how much time you can dedicate to studying. If you don’t want to get a planner, no worries! Canvas has a built-in calendar with important dates for all your classes.
- Clean your study space
-
There’s nothing worse than an unmotivating study space. Yes, cleaning doesn’t sound like a stress-free activity, but it will help in the long run. After all, an organized area promotes an organized mind.
Who wants to study in a room with clothes all over the floor? Not me! After tidying up, light a candle or put on a diffuser to set the put-together vibe, and you’re good to go.
- Get plenty of rest
-
It may be tempting to stay up late and binge Netflix all night, but it won’t help you make that A. Make sure to get enough sleep every day. You should aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Rest is crucial to concentration and feeling less anxious during exams.
Grab your books and get ready to study because finals week is coming up! Good luck with your finals, and remember to take time for yourself.