by Kristin Schneider

The semester is finally coming to an end; people are getting ready for the beautiful weather, the downtime, and lessened responsibilities. However, before we can enjoy all that, we must face the student’s dreaded enemy: finals week. So, in honor of our favorite time of year, here are 10 Tips to Help You Get Through Finals!
Make A List – Write down your final papers, projects and deadlines. Compile everything you have to do onto one single sheet of paper; it will make it easier for you to see what you have finished, what still needs to be done, and what you have been procrastinating on.
Stick to a Schedule – If you tell yourself you are going to get something done by such and such a time, then get it done. Log out of all your social media accounts- and Netflix – and focus. Set goals for yourself and meet them. Relish in the accomplished feeling you’ll get once you no longer have to worry about something on your long list of responsibilities.
Step Away – If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to take a break and step away from your work. Forcing yourself to stay focused on something that’s not working will only cause you to become frustrated and may end up making the process that much longer.
Read a Book – Not the one you have been assigned for class, but something you find interesting or entertaining. Read something that could kick your brain into gear and strike you with inspiration!
Get Some Fresh Air – Even if you only sit outside your dorm or house for five minutes. Completely stepping away and just letting yourself breathe is healthy for you, and can help you declutter your mind.
Take a Shower – Some of your best ideas can come while you are in the shower. Washing away the day’s stress and dirt can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next assignment.
Eat! – And not just that ramen that’s been sitting in your dorm all semester. Go to the dining hall and grab some dinner, eat some fruit or a salad. Get something in you that can help your brain function!
Take a Dance Break – Finals are tedious, and studying for them even more so. So if you start to feel antsy or drained, stand up, put on your favorite song and dance like no one’s watching. Shake everything awake and get back to work feeling loose and ready to take on whatever is thrown at you.
Call Someone – Take ten or fifteen minutes and call someone you love: someone who’ll be able to get your mind off your work or be able to help you prioritize your thoughts. Whether it is your best friend, your mom or your sibling, a short conversation can help you collect yourself better than you had before.
Sleep – I know it is tempting to pull an all-nighter just to get ahead or finish something up. However, it will not be the best work you could have done, and if you do get a few hours of sleep, you will be able to understand what you are writing, instead of handing in gibberish.
Hopefully, these suggestions can help you to make the best of an awful time. From one student to another, good luck!