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Tips for Surviving Finals Week

It’s that time of year again. The winter holidays are right around the corner, but first – that dreaded F word – finals of, course. The following are some survival tips; to help you to be less-stressed and more prepared…we know you can ace those tests!

Make a plan. Determine how much study time you will need for each exam and consider making a study schedule - you could write down at what time and for how long you will study for each exam. Once you have a plan, chances are you’ll feel more confident and less stressed!
Get enough Z's. Sacrificing sleep for studying might seem like a good idea, but if you’re tired you’re not going to absorb information as well as if you’d had a good night’s rest. Teens need about 9 1/4 hours of sleep each night to function best (for some, 8 1/2 hours is enough).
Take breaks. You will study more effectively if you take breaks. A few study break ideas: go for a jog, get coffee or tea with a friend, take a yoga class, watch a short T.V. show.
Find a study buddy. Study groups can help you to be more productive. Plus, it’s so much more fun to study in a group than on your own! You will likely gain insights that you wouldn’t if you were studying by yourself. (Just make sure to spend time studying on your own too.)
Eat Breakfast. Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat breakfast tend to perform significantly better than those who don’t.
Eat right and stay hydrated. Brain foods such as fish and berries can help you to concentrate. Try not to eat too many sweets and carbs, as tempting as this might be – you’ll just end up feeling lethargic. Lastly, make sure that you’re drinking enough water.
Breath! Before you take the test, take a few deep breaths to release tension from your mind and body. Be confident about what you know and try your best to stay calm and relaxed.