Written By: Liv Dodge
As college students, there comes a time when we feel ready to pack up and drop out. Thanks to finals week looming ahead, that time is approaching quickly for many of us. While the week before and during finals can be very busy and demanding, students should not approach it with a mindset of fear or anxiety. Not only does that mindset fail to help during exams, but it also reinforces negative habits when facing other challenges in life. Instead of forming those habits, I will share three pieces of advice to help shift your mindset to a more positive outlook.
My first piece of advice is to create a schedule. It’s important to set times for studying so that you don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is one of the leading causes of being unprepared for finals, and it can be easily addressed by designating specific blocks of time for studying during the day. I find it helpful to set a timer and study as much as I can before it goes off. It is extremely rewarding to check studying off your schedule.
My second piece of advice is to make time for your health. Taking care of yourself can be as simple as exercising, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep. Research shows that “On the final exam, students who slept more than 8 hours nightly performed better than those who opted out or slept less than 7.9 hours” (Better Sleep, 2018). Spending time with friends has also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, so make sure to add a movie or game night to your schedule.
My last piece of advice is to cast your anxieties and worries on our heavenly Father. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV). Similarly, Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
My prayer for you is that you find peace and joy in the weeks ahead. Take time with Jesus and let Him renew your strength. Surround yourself with friends who uplift you, and remember to care for yourself.
References
Better Sleep — Not “All-Nighters” — Helps Students on Final Exams. (2018, December 3). News.web.baylor.edu. https://news.web.baylor.edu
