2008 Woodie Awards
Crazy finals? Take deep breath
Lila Herrmann
Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: Features
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If you are missing class notes from a session or two (or 10), well, don't just sit there. Now is the time to formulate a plan, a plan to conquer finals week.
Caffeine is your new best friend; take it intravenously if you have to. Just be careful not to mix too many forms of caffeine. A former roommate, who wishes to remain nameless, remembers (barely) taking No-Doz with several cans of Coke throughout one night of arduous studying.
"I ended up so wired, my eyeballs were spinning independently of each other and I began to speak in tongues," she said. Rumor has it, she missed the exam after falling asleep in the shower right before the test, but she would not confirm this.
It is important to take a breather every once in a while from whatever you are studying and refresh your mind and body. Go to the movies, work out at the fitness center or play solitaire.
Your body and brain need protein for optimum function, so try to eat healthy foods, especially protein-rich selections.
On a serious note, finals do not have to be hell on earth. It is possible to approach the week with a plan and get through it, while keeping stress to a minimum.
Paul Polychronis, assistant director of counseling and psychological services, stresses the importance of eating regularly and eating healthy. He also said it is vital to get plenty of sleep. Pulling an all-nighter will cause sleep deprivation, which will not work in your favor at test time.
Jeanne Woon, counseling psychologist, also stresses the importance of getting enough sleep the night before the test to help you be more alert and clear-headed. Woon and Polychronis recommend studying one hour a day for several days before an exam, rather than staying up several hours the night before.
"It is a sound learning principle," Polychronis said. "It gives the brain a chance to process the information."
Cramming is very inefficient.
Woon suggested taking regular breaks while studying.
"Study for half an hour, then take a break. Take a walk. Catch up with a friend," she said. This will help refresh both body and mind.
Lastly, Polychronis said to avoid anxiety-raising behavior, such as reading texts and notes at the last minute before the exam. When you arrive for the test, relax and breathe deeply.Ready yourself for the exam.