How to De-Stress Before Finals

Photo courtesy of allure.com.

Photo courtesy of allure.com.

Do you feel overwhelmed before finals? Here are some tips to help you de-stress and keep your cool!

  1. Get Organized and Start Early –

Getting all of your notes, old homework, and study guides together a few weeks before finals will help make studying easier and systematic. Rather than panicking the day before finals because you cannot find your notes, all study materials will be set aside and waiting for you. Becoming prepared early will take an abundant amount of stress off in the end by giving you extra time to prepare. Filing papers, making folders on your computers, or making neat piles based on subject is a simple and effective way to get organized!

2. Get lots of Sleep –

Once finals week rolls around, we tend to stay up late to cram as much information into our brains as we can. Although it might not seem like it at the time, getting sleep is much more beneficial: rest keeps us healthy, on top of our game, and less stressed. We are more capable of retaining information when we are awake, rather than when we are unfocused and exhausted from staying up late. Make sure to get lots of rest!

3 Take Breaks –

Studying nonstop for hours on end can be tiring and frustrating. Although it is important to study hard, it is also crucial to give yourself a planned break every now and then to maintain your productivity during your studying time. Be sure to take a time out. Go on a run or walk, do some yoga, listen to music, or engage in any activity that helps to clear your mind and calm you down. This way you will be energized and motivated to keep going.

4. Eat Healthily –

Although it is tempting to grab a bag of chips or some ice cream while studying, it is vital to eat healthy and nutritious brain food. Even though junk food seems comforting, making healthy choices will help take off excess stress by helping you to be the best you can be. Eating fatty foods, sugar, or drinking caffeine creates short boosts of energy, but will make you crash shortly afterwards. Eating fruits, vegetables, and protein will give you long lasting energy to get you through those long study hours and rigorous finals.

5. Keep Perspective –

Most students tend to think of finals as infuriating or impossible not only due to the amount of material they have to study, but because they can make or break a grade. It is important to keep in mind, however, that finals only make up for a small percentage of your grade. Though it is important to try your best for finals, most of your grades have already been entered and the majority of your work completed. If you stay calm and study hard, you have nothing to worry about!

If all else fails, just remember: it’s almost winter break! Stay positive and you can get through it. Good luck!