Don’t hate me, but today is my only true final and we’re still in the last week of classes. Comm majors tend to get loaded up on group projects due the last week of classes so I’m lucky enough to have a very light end of the semester after a very long and rough semester. Although I won’t be suffering along with you this year, I’ve done it before so I wanted to share my advice for surviving college finals. I know the typical suggestions are to eat healthily and stay active, and you should!! They’re repeated for a reason! But, if that stresses you out more, here’s what’s worked for me in the past.
one // Make your study breaks productive – First of all, take breaks. Your brain and body need them, but if they contribute to your day, they won’t feel like a waste of time or stress you out more than necessary. Plan a dinner with a friend, no textbooks or notes allowed. Take a nice long shower. If you’re like me and feel better when things are clean, clean your room, your apartment, or even just organize your notes and school materials. The point is, do something that gives your mind a break but will also help you end the day feeling less stressed.
two // Meditate – Meditation takes ten minutes or less, but the effects go way beyond that. You’re supposed to do it in the morning but I find doing it at night calms my mind and helps me sleep better. I use the Headspace App and I honestly love it. I use it as much as I can. I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be but when I am, I really notice the effects. If you haven’t used it before, I got a free ten-day trial when I started, or you can look up videos on YouTube!
Three // Plan ahead – I think the worst part of finals is going to sleep stressed. The best way to do that is prep for your next day. On nights when I go to sleep with my schedule written out, breakfast thought about, and outfit picked out I sleep so much better and have an easier time getting up in the morning. Plan for tomorrow before you go to sleep so you have less nagging at your brain while you’re trying to fall asleep.
Four // Pick up the phone – I love calling. It’s faster, it’s more efficient, I can say what I need to say and get responses, and I get to hear the voices of the people I love. I honestly find it really relaxing and it takes you away from school and reminds you of the outside world for a minute. Call your grandparents, long-distance best friend, or sibling. Say hi. It doesn’t have to be a 30-minute conversation but it’s another brain break that doesn’t ruin your productivity like Netflix does, but changes your train of thought.
Five // Change your mindset – I love asking my friends for advice when it comes to posts like these and Ava told me it’s all about how she thinks of studying. When she changes her mentality to “preparing” instead of “studying” she said she has a much easier time getting it done and being productive. Studying sounds like a lot of pressure to get things perfect, but in reality, you’re just preparing yourself to the best of your ability!
Finals are not the end of the world, they’re something everyone has to go through, and in a few weeks, they’ll seem like a distant memory. Stay focused, study hard, and push through because you’re almost at the end! Good luck to everyone on their finals the next three weeks!
Leave a Reply