Finals week is one of the most stressful times for college students. Juggling many exams and projects can be overwhelming, leading to mental burnout and exhaustion. While it’s important to focus on studying and earning good grades, it is also necessary to take care of yourself during this period. Collegeboxes is here to share some essential self-care tips to help you stay healthy and study effectively during finals week.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Nothing is more crucial than getting enough sleep during this week. Science shows that your brain works most effectively and efficiently when it gets enough rest. Not getting enough sleep can cause tiredness and reduce your ability to focus.
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you find it hard to sleep, try meditation or relaxation techniques such as listening to music and deep breathing. Avoid staying up all night, as it affects your memory, ability to focus, and problem-solving skills. If you must pull an all-nighter, do it strategically by taking breaks and using bright light to avoid sleepiness.
2. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is beneficial to our brain. Students who drink more water perform better in their exams. When our body gets enough water, we can recall information and form memories more effectively. In contrast, dehydration can lead to headaches and exhaustion, affecting your performance.
3. Avoid Excess Caffeine
While staying hydrated is crucial, be mindful of your caffeine intake. Many students over-rely on coffee and caffeinated drinks during finals week. While caffeine can help you stay alert, having too much can cause headaches, increased anxiety, and disrupt your sleep routine. Try to balance your caffeine intake with plenty of water to stay properly hydrated.
4. Eat Healthy and Nutritious Foods
Eating healthy can significantly boost your productivity during finals week. Foods like avocados, nuts, berries, and dark chocolate can provide the extra brain power you need. Always eat a nutritious breakfast, such as yogurt, oatmeal, or eggs with toast. Follow a meal plan that includes healthy snacks, and make sure to eat enough fruit and vegetables. This will help you feel more energetic, well-prepared, and improve your overall well-being.
5. Move Your Body and Get Outside
Staying active and spending time outdoors can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Spending time in nature and absorbing sunlight can relieve stress, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and well-being. Students who spend time on outdoor activities stay more relaxed and energetic, improving both short-term and long-term memory and cognition.
6. Stay Organized
Being organized can help you experience less stress and save time. Make sure you know your exam schedule to avoid missing any. Being aware of the schedule and not having to spend time doing unnecessary tasks. You can also prepare your study materials and make a study plan to keep track of your studying process more easily. For more tips on how to plan and prepare for finals, check out our 8 Study Tips to Help You Plan for Finals Week.
7. Study Smart, Not Hard
Research shows that taking short breaks from studying can refresh your brain and body, increase your energy, productivity, and ability to focus. Avoid cramming all your studying into one session and break your study sessions into small chunks. Instead of spending 5 hours studying continuously, break it into shorter sessions, such as 2.5 hours each with a 20-minute break in between. This way, you stay more concentrated, retain information better, and reduce mental burnout.
8. Try Yoga and Meditation for Relaxation
Yoga is a great self-care practice as it combines stretches and strength exercises with breathing, meditation, and relaxation, helping both the body and the mind to relieve stress. Medical studies have shown that yoga can help to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of stress hormones in young people taking exams. Yoga can also help calm your mind and promote better sleep, making it easier for you to focus. To get started, you don’t need any special equipment or a lot of time. Just a quiet space and a few minutes each day can make a big difference.
Remember, taking care of yourself during finals week is as important as studying. Implement these self-care tips to stay healthy, reduce stress, and perform your best on your exams.
Once your finals are over, it’s finally time to head home and relax! Collegeboxes is here to support you with non-study-related tasks like packing, moving, and shipping after finals with our Summer Storage Service. Let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on your exams. Check out our services here.