Surviving Finals Week!

The dreaded Finals Week. As it draws closer, the panic and anxiety slowly starts setting in once you realize exactly how many things you have due in the next few weeks. I have put together a little list of tips of things that I like to do during Finals to help get me through to the end. Enjoy! xoxo

-MAKE A LIST
I can’t tell you how many times this has come in handy for me. About two weeks before finals begin, I like to go through each syllabus and write down everything that’s still due for each class along with the due dates for everything. This is great for putting everything in perspective to see exactly how many assignments you have left to complete and how much time you have to finish them.

-PACE YOURSELF
This goes hand in hand with the tip above. You obviously don’t want to wait until the week of finals to start studying so it’s a good idea to get a head start. I like to study for one subject a night, that way I’m only focusing on one class and not juggling different concepts and subjects. You also don’t want to burn yourself out – meaning don’t pull all nighters ALL the time and wake up with a Red Bull for breakfast. Not only is this unhealthy, but your brain won’t function as well as it would’ve with a good night’s rest.

-PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY
This is definitely one that I’m guilty of myself. My phone is my biggest distraction when I’m trying to study; every time it lights up with a notification, it pulls focus away from whatever I’m trying to learn. I like to either turn my phone on silent and flip it over, or just turn it off entirely so I’m not tempted. Another thing I like to do is use my phone as a reward. Finish 30 minutes of studying and you’ve earned 5 minutes on your phone. Just make sure you cut yourself back off at 5 minutes.

-FORM A STUDY GROUP
When I first started college, I was extremely against forming study groups. I thought I was my best teacher and I could teach myself the way I would remember it. While it’s important to have some solo study time, forming a group is really helpful if you’re having trouble grasping a concept or just want some extra help. Just be careful of studying with friends – I once had a study group that went from History to Taco Tuesday! 😉

-EXERCISE
After spending more than an hour stuck in a crowded library, I’ll do just about anything to get out. Exercising is a great way to release stress and get your mind of studying for a bit. If you’re feeling particularly motivated, you can read/study while you’re on the treadmill, elliptical, etc. If you just aren’t feeling the gym, meditation or even just deep breathing can help relax.

-COLOR CODE NOTES
I can’t remember the last time I took notes in only black pen. Whether it’s writing in different color ink or using a variety of highlighter colors, this technique really helps me when I forget something on the test. There are also studies that show you’re more likely to remember something if you can associate it with a certain color. Sometimes I like to use different color flashcards as well, as long as you use a technique that is best for you!

-MAKE A PLAYLIST
Depending on the subject I’m studying for, I like to listen to slow and calming music while I study. This is especially helpful if you’re stuck in a noisy library, house, coffee shop, etc. and just need to tune everything out. My personal favorite website is Rainy Mood which plays only the sound of rain. It’s as soothing and calming as you can get!