Finals week is rough for everyone, even professors. So, in order to make the end of the quarter easier for everyone, here are some tips to surviving this week.
Get rest
Yes, everyone says it and it seems near impossible to do. But it’s not. Take a couple hours to rest, take a nap or even just lay down. Resting does not just refresh your energy, but also your perspective. Looking at your projects with fresh eyes helps you notice issues you may not have before. The rest could also be focusing on a different assignment. Either way, just try to break up the time you work on each project.
Take breaks
Don’t study for long periods of time with no breaks. Maybe for every hour, take 15 minutes to walk around, stretch, get a snack or do anything other than what you were working on. Breaks are sufficient for projects. If you work on the same thing for too long, you will wear out faster. Think of a break as something even as simple as taking a shower or calling someone on the phone.
Work with other people
It’s easy to get bored or distracted when working on projects alone. Work with a group of friends or other students from class. This way, you have people to talk to and that only helps time go by faster. This is a great way to also get input on your projects. Other people may notice something you had not or offer advice on something you were struggling with.
Eat and stay hydrated
This is super important. Students can often get caught up in their work and forget to eat. Don’t indulge on junk food either. Of course, it’s okay to have some. Just don’t live on it this week. Snack on fruits and vegetables, get a smoothie or eat a salad. It may not be ideal, but it will keep your energy up. On top of eating, drink water too. Again, a soda or coffee here and there isn’t terrible. But water will keep you hydrated and energized.
Reward yourself
At the end of the week, do something for yourself. Buy that thing you’ve been eyeing for a while now, go out to dinner with friends or go watch a movie. Everyone has worked incredibly hard this quarter and it’s important to acknowledge that.
So, to finish off this quarter, work hard but give yourself a break too. Remember to treat yourself to something nice after Thursday. Until then, eat, sleep and interact. Friends and peers need someone just as much as you do. Don’t be scared to ask for help and don’t forget that you deserve a chance to breathe, so take it.
