We’re getting closer and closer to the end of the spring semester. Seniors are about to walk across the stage at graduation, freshmen are preparing to move out of the dorms where they spent their first year living away from their parents, and all of us are about to enter finals week. It’s a stressful time for all students in college, especially when most of us can’t help but get distracted by the thought of summer. Once finals are over, we’re released to do whatever we have planned during our time off and be stress free. But until then, it’s important to focus on maintaining healthy habits, so our minds and bodies are best prepared for finals.Â
Keeping up with your daily routines is one of the best ways to be at your best, both personally and academically. It’s easy to not give ourselves the proper amount of attention when school takes up most of our time. If we don’t pour time and care into ourselves, burn-out can take over very quickly. Depleted energy, changes in appetite, irritability, muscle tension, sleep problems and anxiety are all signs of burn-out. Keeping up with your daily routines and activities is an easy way to keep in touch with your personal needs. That could mean doing your skincare routine, spending plenty of time in the shower to unwind, ordering take-out or cooking a meal you enjoy, completing your usual workout routine or going to bed and waking up at a similar time each day. Â
Maintaining a proper weekly schedule is another way to stay on top of academic responsibilities. Planning out specific times to study for exams and to write your final essays is useful when trying to stay organized. I find keeping a planner that has a full-month layout very helpful when trying to visualize how much time is left for assignments and exams. Keeping your academic duties and personal life planned ahead of time helps ensure you will have the proper time to focus on school and your well-being. Although this period of time can take its toll, try not to neglect making time for your friends before school is officially over. Â
Another way to maintain healthy habits leading up to and during finals week is to study in a way that is beneficial. Last minute cramming is something we all do from time to time, but it usually doesn’t prepare us as much as studying long before exam dates. Studying for an hour each day for a week before a final is most likely going to give you better results than studying for five hours straight the night before. You’re less likely to retain information when you’re sleep deprived and rushing over content. Switching up study spots and taking breaks may also keep you more motivated than only studying in bed.Â
As the semester comes to an end, keep these healthy habits in mind. It’s crucial to prioritize your sanity and not push yourself to the limit. Good grades are important, but they should never take priority over your well-being or safety. Â