Hey y’all!
I hope you had a great weekend. This week, for me and many other college students, is finals week. The week that everybody dreads. Let’s face it, it can be miserable! Stressful. Tiring. But, I’ve got some tips that I use that – kind of – help me, so I figured I’d share!
- Time Management – Manage your time wisely! Don’t spend too long on one class and not enough time on another. I don’t necessarily spend the same amount of time on each class. Instead, I try to “portion” it out. For example, If I need a 50% in one class to make an A overall and an 80% in the other class, I spend more time studying for the first class. Sometimes, you have to choose your battles, and that’s one that I choose. This also includes getting ahead of your studying and starting a week (or more) in advance. This can be a struggle, because you still have class work and a life outside of school, but it will be beneficial in the long run.
- Caffeine – Isn’t this a given? Ha! I think that when I drink a lot of caffeine, it doesn’t really give me a boost. But, when I drink one a day or every few days, the one really picks me up. So, during finals week, I try to limit my caffeine to when I’m really struggling or staying up late.
- Reward Yourself – I make goal marks, and when I reach the specific goal, I reward myself with computer time, T.V. time, food, etc. This gives you motivation (other than the motivation to make a good grade) for studying!
- Manage Your Stress/Anxiety – Listen to calming music, burn a relaxing candle, or diffuse essential oils! Do your best to think about the positives and not the “what-ifs” – they really do get to you!
- PRAY! – I make time out of my day to spend time in the Word, connect with the Lord, and pray about the exams. I started doing this last semester (awful, I know) and I swear it made a difference. If you put in the effort, I believe He sees/hears you and rewards you.
Here are some Bible verses that I love for times of struggle and trouble, including finals week:
James 1:12 (NIV) – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Matthew 19:26 (NIV) – “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
It’ll all work out in the end! I’m no pro at finals, so, if anybody has any other tips and tricks, I’m all ears!
The Daily KC 