5 Steps to Surviving Finals Week

Written by: Kimmy McKernie, Staff Writer

Here we go Bryan College; it’s finally time to stop procrastinating and start dreading the worst week of school. Finals week brings out the worst in us, and if you’re like me, you don’t cope well with this sudden and overwhelming amount of stress. Hopefully, you’re better than me, and you haven’t cried over “Bry-Fi” and the sheer amount of writing that is due. Here are five things you can do to make yourself a little less crazy during finals.

  1.    Phone off:

I know, it’s difficult. It’s common knowledge that school work does not get done with it on. Turn it off, give it to your roommate, do whatever you have to, to stop wasting time on it.

  1.    Stop and Talk:

After about two hours (or 15 minutes if you’re like me) of hard studying, your brain starts to give up. It’s best to take a five-ten minute break about every hour. Stretch. Breathe. Take time to talk to an actual human. Spending time with people we like gives us an energy boost (same goes for you introverts), so take the time to call your mom, leave your dorm, smell the fresh air or strike up a conversation with whoever is nearby. Talk to someone. And no, texting doesn’t count.

  1.    Make healthy choices:

Let’s be real; no one reaches for a bag of Doritos or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s faster than I do, but, much to my dismay, that is the last thing my body needs. During this stressful time, you have to nourish your brain cells, especially if you’re sleeping less than usual or not at all. Buy some protein bars, fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water. Your body will thank you.

  1.    Find your space:

Most people go to the library; there’s a reason for that. It’s a perfect environment for good study habits. If the library isn’t your thing, that’s cool, I’ve never been one for the library either. The next best thing is to dedicate a space to studying and studying only. Avoiding your bed or couch, and any place related to relaxation. That is counterproductive.

  1.    Move… and then sleep.

We all know that moving helps, yet rarely do we put this knowledge to good use. I know you think you don’t have time, but I promise if you take 15 minutes to run or bike or dance, your brain will function at a higher level, and you’ll be much more efficient with your work. After all that moving and studying, you’re going to be tired. So tired that not even all the caffeine in the world would wake you up. It doesn’t always seem attainable, and some all-nighters are unavoidable, though not recommended, do your best to get some rest. If you must stay up all night, find some time to nap between breakdowns and work.

Kimberly McKernie is a communications major with a focus on media and culture and is the
social media coordinator and junior writer.