I understand you didn’t learn it the first time. You slept through that midterm with the relief of, “Oh, my lowest grade can be replaced by my final,” and then you blew it off with a wave of your hand. But it’s go time, and there is no escaping it now. You have to learn it. All of it. Because it’s finals week. It’s here. So, here are a few study and preparation tips to save any innocent bystanders from having to experience you cracked-and-whacked out.
Phone Break-Up I know when that Hotline Bling, that could only mean one thing, and it’s the fact that you’re distracted. So put it up or leave it at home. Having constant incoming texts or scrolling through your Snapchat stories can leave you with a serious case of FOMO (Urban Dictionary it, but not on your phone), and you simply don’t have time to cure it. So be preventative. Part ways for a while — I can assure you that Kim K won’t notice if you don’t like her picture for a few hours. But if the idea of parting with your phone for more than an hour causes you severe and debilitating anxiety, I understand. Put it on airplane mode or “Do Not Disturb.” Watch the clock, and give yourself 30 minutes before you can check it again. You and your phone are in a relationship. So, let it know that sometimes you just need a break.
Dress for Success No; don’t put on your Sunday best before hitting the books, because you aren’t looking to be on the best-dressed list this week. Let those comfortable clothes that you have always been too embarrassed to wear out of the house and into the sun. Sweatshirts and sweatpants, fuzzy socks and slippers, hats and messy buns—unleash them to the world. Convert your “Netflix and Chill” to “Textbooks and Strong-will.” You want to be as comfortable as possible when taking on next week. Bring layers. If it’s hot, shed; if it’s cold, pile them on. Don’t let the temperature of your most suitable study environment determine what type of study experience you have.
Discomfort is Key A little bit of discomfort while studying can be a good thing. Dress comfortably, yes, but maybe choose the hard wooden chair as opposed to the plush couch. Try not to study in your bed. Fluorescent lights keep you alert and focused. Lamplight, on the other hand, can cause you to feel tired and often too relaxed. Leave your dorm room or apartment — go somewhere you don’t usually go study. Find an environment that is quiet, of course, but maybe is a little out of your comfort zone. The library is an awesome place to go, but if it’s not for you, there are plenty of other options on or off campus. Do a little pre-finals homework and find a place that’s a good fit for you. It’s worth the investment.
Coffee Enough said.
Music Makes the World Go ‘round Music while studying has almost turned into its own specific field of science. Studies upon studies have been done. For some it works, for others — maybe not. But for those of you that it does work for it, embrace it. Blare Tha Carter III through your headphones. Pair Beyonce and Beethoven, and maybe your GPA will soar. Hello is assured to get you where you need to go. Spotify has an endless amount of playlists that cater to almost any taste and are specifically designed for studying. For those of you who feel like music isn’t what you need, give it a try for an hour next week. At the end, look and see if you were productive during that period of time. Music can add an undeniable element of concentration. Use it to your advantage.
Eat. Sleep. Eat. And repeat. “I can’t stress enough the importance of a proper diet and ample sleep during finals week,” said your high-school guidance counselors. And I can’t discredit them—the same goes for college. Eating good, balanced meals (which does not include cheese pizza, I am afraid to admit) provides your body with the energy it needs to survive next week in the battle zone. Concentrate on large amounts of proteins with moderate amounts of starches. “Vegetables,” says mom. She’s right. Don’t gorge at one sitting. Instead of eating two big meals (because we all know you aren’t eating breakfast), try to eat several times throughout the day. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages dehydrate you, so keep ample amounts of water and electrolytes on deck. Sleep is also extremely important. When you’re slaving over facts, quotes and equations for hours and hours, your brain needs time to rest and organize everything you just learned. A good night’s sleep is mandatory. Naps can also be a great tool, but only when utilized correctly. Hour-long naps leave you confused, hungover and asking yourself what day it is. 20-30 minute naps are recommended and can leave you feeling energized, recharged and ready to take on anything. Overall, the correct pairing of a balanced diet and sleep is equally as important as learning the material, and it can really help you kick ass next week. Don’t cheat them.
SEX Now that I have your attention, subtract the “s-” and add “-ercise.” Exercise. Exercise causes your body to release endorphins and some other amazing stuff that I didn’t learn in biology. It can reduce stress and supply an element of productivity to your study routine. “I don’t have time,” you might think. Think again. Go out for a speed-walk or a jog 15 minutes or so before you commit to study or on your way to the library. Stretch and do a set of crunches in between chapters. Do squats while your taking a shower or reciting off that list your trying to memorize. Be proactive. Incorporating exercise in order to release some of that pinned up stress could be one of the most important additions to your study plan.
Treat Yo’self Give yourself breaks. You deserve and need them! After hours and hours of being confined to a musty desk in the library across from some guy who is blaring Nirvana through his headphones, go outside. Enjoy some coffee, water, and a snack. Go eat a good meal. Lie down and take a scroll through Instagram or Twitter. Breaks in studying offer your brain a solution similar to sleep — it gives your brain time to rest and recuperate, while also giving it time to process the new and old information.
Contrary to what you think, the most important thing to remember during finals week is yourself. Treat next week like a study-vacation. Take care of you. Relax. You’ve got this.
