There you sit. You’re running on a Pop-Tart, a bottle of Coke Zero, and four hours of sleep. Your computer screen blasts white light back at you. Your eyes come back into focus. You realize your hand’s been resting on the keyboard. “The War of 1812 had signifiiiiiiiooipoiosiuillllllllllll;:;;;;;;;;;k,” your 120-page study guide now reads.
Ugh. Why can’t you just focus? Why does your history test have to be handwritten? And how in the world does a three-question econ final, which you still need to study for, take four hours?
Finals can be rough. We get it. The intensity gets cranked up to eleven. Free time and extracurriculars get tossed in the incinerator; more fuel to power your night-before cramming. Lofty academic goals disintegrate, and from the rubble emerges a desperate bid to just pass the class.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though. In fact, it shouldn’t be this way! Learning, with all its research papers and tests, is a journey where every step can be rewarding and manageable. While we don’t offer Neuralink technology to upload your study guide to your brain, we can suggest a few wellness tips that will turn finals week from trial to triumph.
- Water
Grab that laptop and head to the hot tub. Studying while immersed in warm water can—
Okay, we’re joking. Hydration is crucial, though. Drinking enough water improves cognitive function, enhances energy levels, reduces stress, improves mood . . . the benefits are endless. Have a headache? Drink some water. Feeling down? Water could help. Is the stress looming? Wash it away with a liter of the good stuff.
After all, water is nature’s . . . water.
- Exercise
Imagine a medicine, freely available to all, that relieves pain, wipes out stress, improves mood, enhances cognitive function, and magnifies self-esteem with no negative side effects.
We have news for you: It exists! Your body makes it!
These endorphins are released during exercise, among other activities. They can take a study session from hyper-stressed to calm, effective, and even enjoyable. Moderate to intense physical activity at the beginning of the day sets you up for academic success. You’ll be able to focus on the material instead of the stress, you’ll be more confident in your abilities, and your brain will function better. So next time you have to hit the books hard, hit the gym first. It’ll work wonders.
- Eat Healthy
This one’s a no-brainer. Yes, a Beef ’n Cheddar from Arby’s may sound good, but choosing nutritionally balanced meals is key to crushing those exams. Your mom’s right: Fruits and veggies go a long way, maintaining vitamin and mineral levels and helping you feel fresh.
Nutrient density is key. Sure, popcorn may taste good, but the nutrient-to-calorie ratio is incredibly low. Nuts, lean proteins, whole grains, and greens all pack lots of essential nutrients into fewer calories, helping you feel satiated. Focusing on healthy, nutrient-dense foods will help you focus, give you more energy, increase your mood, and even improve your sleep!
- Get Creative
With a bit of planning ahead, finals week doesn’t have to mean 24/7 grinding. Take some time, say, half an hour, each day to do something that brings you joy. Go rock climbing! Work on a puzzle! Cook a dish you’ve been wanting to try!
Creative outlets can help you reset, center yourself in what matters most, and have some fun along the way. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of creative expression, incorporating these activities into your routine can greatly enhance your well-being and help you manage the pressures of finals week. So, take a break, get creative, and let your mind and body recharge. You'll be amazed at how much more focused and energized you feel when you return to your studies.
We hope these suggestions help you wrangle those tests with more energy, focus, and well-being! Despite their simplicity, they’re often forgotten amidst the stresses of studies and test-taking. At BYU Continuing Education, we’re cheering for you. So, stay hydrated, eat your vegetables, and go ace some exams!