With finals week just around the corner, so is the stress and anxiety that comes with it. We understand how strenuous this week can be for your mental health. So, to help make it a bit easier, we are providing a few mindsets designed to not only help you survive the week, but also to thrive. Take the time to get the help you need, starting with these five simple tips:
- Create an efficient study space
Everyone studies better without distractions. It’s best to create a space that is optimized for studying. This may include clearing off your desk or even finding a new spot to study. Give yourself the physical space needed to concentrate. Try adding some ambient music in the background to eliminate unwanted noise. One of the biggest distractions nowadays is our phones. Set aside your study time to unplug and distance yourself. If needed, consider deleting social media for the week or using the focus settings on your phone. Creating a distraction-free space is key to getting the most out of your studies.
- Take extra measures
There is no shame in needing a little extra help, especially during finals week. Utilize every tool in your belt to make sure you succeed. This includes setting up business hours with your professors or finding a tutor. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask questions. They are here to help. Create flashcards, then quiz yourself. Try watching review videos on your study breaks. Sometimes, all you need is a simple recap of what you are studying to refresh your memory.
- Keep the right attitude
Your mindset can change the outcome of your exams greatly. Trust that your hard work will pay off and stay positive. This can be a stressful week, so try to keep it fun. Create a reward system for your studies, play memory games, or challenge your study buddies to a competition of wits. Don’t forget to take breaks. If you start to get overwhelmed or tired, close the computer and go outside, get a snack, play a board game with friends, or go on a hike. Your mental health is important, so don’t overdo it.
- Take care of yourself!
Your physical health is just as important as your mental. Often, we can get so focused on our studies that we neglect our physical needs. Utilize our beautiful TMU campus by going outside and getting some Vitamin D. Make sure, especially on exam day, that you eat a hardy breakfast. Fuel your brain with the nutrients it needs. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed early when needed and wind down before bed to help you sleep through the night. If your body is tired, your brain will be too. Don’t forget to exercise! Hit the gym or go for a walk; just 30 minutes a day can help you destress and focus better.
- Avoid the urge to procrastinate
Putting important things off is an easy habit to fall into, especially with busy schedules. Stay away from the all-nighters to alleviate the “panic mode” that comes with it. Schedule a routine of studying each day. A good rule of thumb is to plan on reviewing the entire extent of the material by breaking up studying by chapters in the textbook or committing a study session to each week of the course.
Do your best! On exam day, wake up and get to class early to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and eliminate unnecessary stress. Once you receive your exam, read the directions carefully, listen to your professor’s instructions, breathe, and stay calm. All your hard work will show.
###
Lindsay Beck is a TMU Communications major and intern for TMU’s Marketing and Communications Department.
Return to Blog Archive