For high school and college students, it’s that time of year again—finals week! Those two words alone can cause plenty of stress, but don’t worry. Here are six survival tips to help you not only get through finals week, but conquer it.
1. Don’t Cram the Night Before
Trying to cram everything you should have learned into a short time may seem like a good idea, but it doesn’t work in the long run. Your brain needs time to process and retain information!
Instead, try pacing yourself. Study a little each day, starting at least two weeks ahead. Breaking the material into chunks helps your brain retain the information more effectively.
If you’re a procrastinator (no judgment!), you might still end up cramming. Just don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work as well as you hoped.
2. Take Regular Breaks
When you study, aim to take at least a 10-minute break every hour. This gives your brain a chance to rest and recharge.
The exact length of your break doesn’t matter—just make sure it’s long enough to rest before diving back in. I’ve taken breaks as short as 10 minutes and as long as an hour. Do what works best for you.
3. Fuel Your Brain with Snacks and Drinks
Snacks and drinks are essential. Keep water nearby and go for brain-friendly foods like fruits, veggies, and nuts. These will give your body and brain the energy they need for long study sessions.
Avoid processed and sugary snacks, which can cause a blood sugar crash and leave you feeling tired. Check out this list of brain foods for studying if you’re not sure what to grab.
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4. Get Enough Rest
Sleep is very important. Without it, your brain can’t function at full capacity. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep, especially the night before an exam. That way, your mind will be sharper, calmer, and more focused.
5. Organize Your Study Time
Organizing your studying will help you get enough study time for all your subjects. Which subjects will you need more time studying? Which finals are first?
6. Minimize Distractions
Cell phones are the ultimate time trap. You check one text, then it’s TikTok, then Instagram—and before you know it, an hour is gone.
Try putting your cell phone in another room or turning on Do Not Disturb. Save your screen time for breaks.
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The takeaway
Finals week is stressful—but manageable. With the right mindset, a bit of planning, and some well-earned breaks, you can survive the madness.
Just saying!
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