Finals week can seem like a soul-sucking, anxiety-inducing time for some, but by following a schedule that exemplifies strengths and fits your lifestyle, making it through to the holidays can be a breeze!
Pomodoro Pursuivant
For those who love to plan every minute of their day, the popular Pomodoro study technique serves as a great way to bring a balanced work-rest ratio for finals week. First, select a task to accomplish or a subject to study for and set a 25-minute timer to spend the time focused solely on the chosen assignment. Once the time is up, take a quick five-minute break and continue studying the material or, if completed, move onto the next task. After repeating this process two to three times, take a more recuperating break of about 15-30 minutes. This extra structure provided by the Pomodoro method makes it a suitable option for those who get easily distracted.
The Efficient Procrastinator
Bad habits die hard; this schedule serves as the perfect plan for those wanting to break out of procrastination, but are not quite there yet. By placing the most undesirable task on your to-do list last, use the momentum received from avoiding that assignment to plow through smaller, less stressful duties. To ensure commitment and benefit productivity, turn your phone off or put it in a different room. Although not a fool-proof plan, it’s great for effectively completing little chores by using your weakness to your advantage.
Student-Athlete Scholar
It’s important to prioritize remaining time after practices or games to advance on a plethora of assignments and projects. When starting work in the evening, place importance on large projects or more urgent subjects, as those will need the sharpest mind. Studying during this period is also effective, since physical activity stimulates the brain and enhances concentration. Smaller homework assignments should be moved to the morning, which is also a fitting time to get in a light yet energizing workout to prepare for more intense sport events later in the day, or for those looking to stay in shape.
The Napper
For late night crammers who are in dire need of rest, incorporating naps into the day is
a great way to keep the mind fresh for finals week study sessions. Placing naps from about 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is ideal since it would allot time to work both prior to and after sleeping. Order challenging assignments before or after the nap accordingly, depending on whether the prospect of a nap or having a well-rested mind is more compelling. Make sure to set an alarm for the desired wake-up time, because slip-ups can be costly. Rest is necessary, and when added appropriately, can enhance the finals week experience overall.
The pressure of finals week can be daunting, but choosing the right routine can make all the difference. By sticking to a fitting plan, finals week is sure to be a success. Regardless of semester scores, it’s important to remember that a number in a gradebook does not define your worth.
