How to Deal With College Finals

So there has been an obvious lack in posts from me lately, and I can't say that at least part of that isn't due to finals week here in the lovely dream inducing, and spirit crushing, land that we call college. I learned a couple things that I somehow managed to overlook my freshman year however and thought that I would share them with you wonderful people. I understand that it's a little late now, but hey, better late than never. Especially for something that comes around twice a year for some of us. (Only five more times for this girl! But hey, who's counting?)

We all know that studying is, or is suppose to be, a major part of higher education, but if we're being honest, tediously going over line over line of notes and textbooks really doesn't tend to do much good after awhile. So how do we keep from going insane? Here are some things that helped me:

• Distract yourself! 
• Now hear me out, I don't mean that in a "totally forget what you're doing and don't go back to it at all" way. I just mean that every once in awhile it's okay to take a break, maybe watch an episode of Dexter on Netflix, and then go at it again with a fresh head.
• Get an Early Start!
• It's hard for me to preach this one since I'm such a procrastinator, but I have noticed that if you stay on top of the material throughout the semester or start going over it before dead week then you have a lot less work to do and the load seems just a tad bit lighter.
• Don't Isolate Yourself!
• It's important to remember that you aren't the only one going through Finals Week and that you do still have a life. Don't hole up in your bedroom only to emerge weeks later and find that you have no friends. Study with people! Or at least talk to them in the few moments you aren't buried face first in a book.
• Reward Yourself!
• If you get a lot done and you're feeling pretty confident, or if you have more time on your hands than you thought, reward yourself. It can be something small, I found movie nights with friends to be very helpful, maybe a dinner out on the town or the ever popular retail therapy, but be careful, that one can get dangerous.
• Eat Actual Food and Get Actual Sleep!
• Having pending exams is not a reason to stop functioning like a normal human being. You still need fuel, and you still need rest. Don't turn to ramen and all nighters just because you think it's the "college thing to do" trust me, your thighs and the bags under your eyes will thank me later. I know that stopping to make a meal just isn't always in the cards, so stock up on quick snacks like granola bars, fruit cups, canned soup, ravioli, whatever. Something with actual substance, and GO TO BED.

Last but not least...

• Don't Get Your Identity Stolen
• This may not apply to all of you, but I feel it is still an important life lesson. So, keep an eye on your bank account, because as I learned this past month...there should be a special place in hell for someone who can steal money from a college kid, during finals week, and right before Christmas. 

On that positive note! Remember to drive safely, and enjoy the time you have with your families and loved ones because you only get a month and then it's back to the books! 

Love, 

Kayla.