Finals Week. The week all we college students dread the most. As we fill in these last two weeks of the semester with late nights, Monsters, RedBull, and coffee there are a few things you need to remember.
- Breathe
Even though it may not seem like it there is still some time. If you start to freak out and your mind is going multiple directions, just breathe. This is not the end of the world, and remind yourself you are smart, you know these things, you will make it out alive. Using breathing exercises can help calm your mind and get your heart rate back down.
2. You Can Take a Break
If you feel like the workload is just too much. TAKE. A. BREAK. You can do that *gasp*. I know right that idea is usually thrown out the window during finals week. I know you’re probably saying, I don’t have time to take a break! Yes you do. Even if it’s just a couple of minuets to get your head on straight. Take time for your brains sake, if you don’t then you’re work may not end up being your best or you’ll end up getting frustrated. Believe me I’ve thought about just ripping up all my papers, but I didn’t because I took a break to calm down.
3. SLEEP
Sleeping is always wonderful. You owe it to yourself, you’ve been working so hard this semester! Both your body and mind will thank you. If you take the time to take a nap or end up getting more than 2-4 hours of sleep at night your mind will have time to clear and start fresh. I know that all of us have had those sleepless nights where we can’t stop studying or we cram the night before. Going back to number two your mind needs to take a break to refresh and sleeping can really help.
4. Pace Yourself
This is where a lot of people run into trouble. If you start to pace yourself now you’ll be able to feel more confident in your work or study more efficiently. Develop a plan of what you need to get done and when, you’ll be much more organized and your brain isn’t bouncing all over the place. Pacing yourself will help lower the chances of your stress heightening. One of the great things about making a plan to pace yourself is you can write down what you’re going to do, and whatever you have listed that day that’s all you have to do. No stressing out, all because you’re pacing yourself and you’re sticking to your plan.
5. You Have Resources
Come to the University Writing Center! We are here for YOU, whichever step you’re on in the writing process we can help. Even if you feel confident in your paper, have one of us be your second pair of eyes to help reassure you that your paper is the best it can be! Let us help you make this stressful time a little bit easier.
One of the things that students forget about during finals is to take care of themselves. If you remember these five things finals will be a little easier! Be strong, and don’t forget that you are smart, you are talented, and YOU GOT THIS!
Good Luck!
