The moment we’ve all been low-key dreading is here: finals week. It’s time to de-stress your way through finals! Deadlines are relentless, the study grind feels endless, and every point throughout the semester has led you to this stressful week. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re a finals newbie or a seasoned survivor, one thing’s for sure–this week hits differently. And by different, we mean brutal.
Despite that, take a deep breath. Put aside the books and step away from the flashcards. The end of the semester does not mean the end of you! With the proper approach, finding balance in your finals schedule can make or break that gleaming “A” in the distance.
- Find Study Habits that Work!Â
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What works for everyone else may not work for you—and that’s okay! Curating a study routine that works consistently is key to success. After all, information retention is one of the most crucial skills standing between you and that easy A.
So, before diving into heavy coursework, pause and reflect on the type of learner you are. Are you a visual learner? More of an auditory person? Record yourself explaining concepts and play them back. If you thrive under pressure, the Pomodoro Technique might be your new BFF–25 minutes of focus, 5-minute breaks, rinse and repeat. After several cycles, longer breaks are encouraged. Find your rhythm, and suddenly, studying won’t feel like pulling teeth. Finding a routine that fits your style will condition your mind to associate studying with more positive feelings, boosting productivity and reducing burnout.
- Plan for more than just studying.
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Extensive, hour-long study-a-thons are not the way to go. Burnout is real, and your fuse will dim as your brain overworks. Plan for more than just studying! Create an easy-to-follow schedule that includes time for rest. Downtime is the best time and should be prioritized during high-stress periods. Between hours of exam review, gather a friend or two and head out for a little fun. Grab some food, take a walk, or binge an episode of your comfort show. If you’re used to flying solo, plan an activity that helps you unwind. Throw on a playlist, journal, or just exist for a bit. Recharge your mind and recenter your focus before your next study session.
- Nourishment is Key
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A healthy body feeds a healthy mind, and we all know the stress of finals can deplete your energy quickly. Often, students become so engulfed in exam preparations that self-care takes a backseat. Let’s be real–when stress hits, we either forget to eat or survive on vending machine junk. But your brain needs fuel to function. Don’t succumb to the pressure—ultimately, you are worth more than that end-of-term grade. As a reward for all your focus, consider grabbing a handful of friends and eating at your favorite restaurant. Or plan ahead and go grocery shopping so you have some of your favorite snacks on hand during those intense study sessions. Your body will thank you—and so will your GPA.
Finals week is rough, but it’s not forever. Take it one day at a time, trust yourself, and remember: your worth isn’t defined by a letter grade. Now go ace those exams (and then go touch grass when it’s over)!