Sorry I have been missing in action. As a senior in college focusing on my studies is my first priority. Believe me these last few weeks have been rough around campus. Finals week is the most stressful week of the semester, and if you are a senior it is even worse. It is the time that we either sink or swim as students, and for many of us it is the time to save our grades from the swan dive they took during midterms. Through out the years I have developed my own personal system that keeps me from having mental/nervous breakdowns during this time. Below are some of my tips and tricks to surviving finals.
#1: Space out your studying. Cramming is the worst habit you can get as a student. All-nighters are toxic and produce horrible results. It is better to space out your studying so your stress levels will be lower. Staying up all night the night before a test will pretty much promise you a lower grade than if you set aside two days before to study. Get a calender and commit to those two days like law.
#2: Stay healthy. The fall semester gets rough at the end because of the drop in temperature. The last thing you want is to get sick. Last spring semester I actually got sick during my Agriculture final and nearly passed out and vomited at the same time. Luckily enough for me my teacher was very kind and allowed me to take it another day. Wear the proper clothing and make sure to drink tons of water. NOT energy drinks every 5 seconds. If you must drink an energy drink limit yourself to one per day of studying and try to make it last for most of the day.
#3: Sleep. Students always think that if they stay up later studying that they will have better results. That simply isn't true. You will be surprised how your body will betray you because you cut corners. Even a little bit of sleep loss can take a toll on your mood, energy, and ability to handle stress. In order to function at a higher level I suggest 7 to 9 hours of sleep. I know that sounds like a lot to the average college student, but your body will thank you.
#4: Eat properly. Finals is the time you need to push the double cheeseburger out of the way and grab a salad. Greens give you energy and leave you feeling light. Heavy processed foods and fast food do the opposite. A burger and fries will leave you feeling lethargic and anti-productive. Fruits and veggies along with water can keep you alert. Also make sure to eat breakfast. Your brain will work smarter instead of harder when you don't have to focus on being hungry.
#5: Know what works for you. I personally do not like studying with other unless it is absolutely necessary. As an only child I find that some things I just do better alone. Everyone knows what works for them though. I know I like to study alone and break up my study time into increments of me studying for an hour then doing something fun for another. That keeps my anxiety down while I'm learning what I need to know. Also if you must study with someone know who to study with. Sometimes helping your friends with the material can be a bonus and reaffirm the material for you. Other times it might turn into a burden and keep you from figuring out what you need to know.
#6: Don't Stress. I know that sounds ludicrous. Finals pretty much is a monster that lives off of stress and desperation. The reason I say that is because stress will get you no where. It can be a distraction and put you into a bad headspace. Last year at my school a kid was found studying naked on the fourth floor of our library. I personally blame that on stress and my universities lack of free food during finals. At this point you know what your grades are and you know what you have to do. Maybe you are in good standing and don't really care about finals because your grade is solid either way. Maybe this final is the thing that can save your grade from extinction and your parents disowning you. Either way don't stress. Take a deep breath and consider it a battle to the finish. Shield wall your way through it.
The semester is almost over. Then after that it is time for family, good food, presents, and a clean slate. Happy holidays and for my finals takers...Happy hunger games.
M
#1: Space out your studying. Cramming is the worst habit you can get as a student. All-nighters are toxic and produce horrible results. It is better to space out your studying so your stress levels will be lower. Staying up all night the night before a test will pretty much promise you a lower grade than if you set aside two days before to study. Get a calender and commit to those two days like law.
#2: Stay healthy. The fall semester gets rough at the end because of the drop in temperature. The last thing you want is to get sick. Last spring semester I actually got sick during my Agriculture final and nearly passed out and vomited at the same time. Luckily enough for me my teacher was very kind and allowed me to take it another day. Wear the proper clothing and make sure to drink tons of water. NOT energy drinks every 5 seconds. If you must drink an energy drink limit yourself to one per day of studying and try to make it last for most of the day.
#3: Sleep. Students always think that if they stay up later studying that they will have better results. That simply isn't true. You will be surprised how your body will betray you because you cut corners. Even a little bit of sleep loss can take a toll on your mood, energy, and ability to handle stress. In order to function at a higher level I suggest 7 to 9 hours of sleep. I know that sounds like a lot to the average college student, but your body will thank you.
#4: Eat properly. Finals is the time you need to push the double cheeseburger out of the way and grab a salad. Greens give you energy and leave you feeling light. Heavy processed foods and fast food do the opposite. A burger and fries will leave you feeling lethargic and anti-productive. Fruits and veggies along with water can keep you alert. Also make sure to eat breakfast. Your brain will work smarter instead of harder when you don't have to focus on being hungry.
#5: Know what works for you. I personally do not like studying with other unless it is absolutely necessary. As an only child I find that some things I just do better alone. Everyone knows what works for them though. I know I like to study alone and break up my study time into increments of me studying for an hour then doing something fun for another. That keeps my anxiety down while I'm learning what I need to know. Also if you must study with someone know who to study with. Sometimes helping your friends with the material can be a bonus and reaffirm the material for you. Other times it might turn into a burden and keep you from figuring out what you need to know.
#6: Don't Stress. I know that sounds ludicrous. Finals pretty much is a monster that lives off of stress and desperation. The reason I say that is because stress will get you no where. It can be a distraction and put you into a bad headspace. Last year at my school a kid was found studying naked on the fourth floor of our library. I personally blame that on stress and my universities lack of free food during finals. At this point you know what your grades are and you know what you have to do. Maybe you are in good standing and don't really care about finals because your grade is solid either way. Maybe this final is the thing that can save your grade from extinction and your parents disowning you. Either way don't stress. Take a deep breath and consider it a battle to the finish. Shield wall your way through it.
The semester is almost over. Then after that it is time for family, good food, presents, and a clean slate. Happy holidays and for my finals takers...Happy hunger games.
M