Happy holidays and a happy Thanksgiving folks! It is time to drink hot chocolate by a fake fire while procrastinating studying. But have no fear, the Helpful Husky is here!
Take Care of Yourself
It is easy to let go of yourself: drinking too much caffeine, staying up for unusual hours of the night, and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you need to do. Caring about grades is important, but this results in experiencing burnout before even sitting down for an exam.
You need to take care of yourself first because at the end of the day YOU are the one taking the exam. Make sure to stay hydrated, sleep properly, and plan out your time effectively. Studying for one class during another is not productive. Think about it, you can do all the things you love while being prepared for finals at the same time! And if you schedule your time well, burning out before finals won’t happen
Rely on More Natural Types of Caffeine
Caffeine in college is inevitable, but it is dehydrating and impacts the natural rhythm of your body. Try not to abuse energy drinks and coffee because it is a very prevalent drug on college campuses. Find healthier options like Celsius energy drinks, and always remember to look at the caffeine content of any drink (a healthy amount of caffeine is 400 milligrams daily). A great alternative to caffeine is lemon water. Lemons promote hydration, improve skin quality, and are a good source of Vitamin C. Cut up some lemon slices and toss them in your water bottle. But, the best alternative is to just drink lots of water. It can eliminate fatigue and help you feel alert.
Planning a Study Schedule
Can you imagine a universe where you can still have fun and ace your finals? Organize your time effectively and this can be you. Second-year management information systems major Melanie Sola said “Organization within one’s schedule is very important during finals. Time management is key for times like these.” She uses organizational tools like Outlook calendar and takes her Sunday nights to organize her time for the week. Following Sola’s method allows you to adjust your week to have time for other activities like going to the gym and cooking. Or, consider a physical planner and make a checklist of what to do if writing is more your thing.
You Got This
Just believe in yourself! Finals are hard for everybody but once it’s over, Winter Break will be your reward. Curling up at the fireplace with some hot coco and spending quality time with friends and family will be your reward. Having confidence is the first step to succeeding and if you believe, you can and will achieve it!