At my university, the week before final exams is called "Dead Week." When I was a freshman, I was told that professors canceled class during dead week and that professors didn't give tests, quizzes, or homework. I can tell you now that whoever passed that information on to me was telling me a lie.
Dead Week becomes one of the most stressful weeks for most students here because, on top of starting to study for the final exams, many students still have assignments and projects to finish that will have a heavy weight on their grade. I've been placed in that kind of situation before, and it is definitely not something I'd wish on anyone.
Luckily, Dead Week seems like it won't be as hard on me this year. I'm very glad about this, considering that I stress enough during every week of the semester - any additional stress would really send me over the edge.
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I know, however, that some of you all might not be in my situation, so I'd like to send you all a few suggestions to keep your stress level down from now until the end of final exams:
- Don't stretch yourself too thin. If you feel like you've committed to too many things during these last couple of weeks during the semester, back out of some of them. I don't condone backing out of things you have committed to, but you have to remember that your number one priority as a college student is your academics. After you're through with final exams, you can jump right back in.
- Be good to your body. As a college student myself, I know it's difficult to stay healthy. I'm usually too busy to work out, I sometimes skip meals, and at other times I am inclined to eat the most unhealthy food instead of what's best for my body. Try to avoid these bad habits this week: Eat breakfast. Take a study break and get some exercise. Eat at a regular time (not at 1 a.m.). Reach for an apple instead of french fries. Most importantly, try your hardest to get a good night's sleep. If you can avoid it, do not pull the all-nighter!
- Think happy thoughts. To do well on your exams, you have to think positive. Try not to put yourself down and don't let yourself believe that you "are going to fail this exam." Be confident in your ability to take your exams. Be optimistic. You never know how you performed until you receive the grade afterwards, so try to stay positive all the way through.
- Take a break. Don't sit in the library for a whole day or a whole night without taking a break. After awhile, your mind needs to rest from taking in all of that information. So, go watch a movie with friends. Make a quick trip to the store. Go get your nails done. Or head to the rec to play a pick-up game of basketball (guys, that was for you, if you're reading!). You'll get more work done - and it will be more efficient - if you take a break every once in awhile.
I hope these suggestions helped you! If you have any suggestions to stay stress-free, feel free to post them!
