I have three midterms this week. THREE. I freak out during weeks I only have one. Adding insult to injury, I am getting sick (or am just paranoid--the far more likely scenario), it's raining, and the promises of spring break sunshine and relaxation are becoming a serious distraction.
Times like these, my blog friends, call for a few things. So, without further ado, I bring to you the award-winning, foolproof guide for surviving a week of intense schooling.
1. Drink lots of water. My major vice in life (aside from being a lazy sloth about 50% of the time--hence my stress this week) is my addiction to caffeine. I drink so much coffee/Red Bull when I am studying that I feel like I'm dehydrated all the time. So, I use this dandy little water bottle, which I fill up probably 4 times a day.
2. Find productive distractions. I like to take breaks only to work out, because it keeps my body alive and alert even though I am spending about 12 hours in a chair hunched over my notebook. But if the gym isn't your scene, even taking a quick walk around the block can work wonders for your focus, sanity, and general well-being. Or take a break to read a magazine, stalk that cute boy in your class on facebook, or call your mom. Anything that takes your mind off studying for a little while is in my book very healthy.
3. Make schedules. I generally live by schedules anyway, but they are particularly useful when studying. I make myself detailed time break downs: exactly what I am going to do and exactly how long I'm going to do it. (FYI: writing this blog was not featured in today's schedule. Oops!)
4. Eat healthy. I try to embody this one all the time, but it's something that I focus on when I'm stressed. During finals week, I do nothing all day except study. I am one of those people who eat when they are bored (lucky me!), so I have to make a conscious effort to assess my hunger level and proceed accordingly. When I eat junk food while studying, it just sits in my stomach and I feel horrible. I just made a list of my favorite study foods: oatmeal, apples with peanut butter, cereal, and popcorn. Wow I'm boring.
and finally, and most importantly,
5. Remember that this isn't real life. It is highly unlikely that these three midterms will have a heavy impact on the rest of my life. Sure, they might affect my grades this semester, but when I look back on my college experience I'm never going to remember the essays I wrote or the multiple choice questions I got wrong. I tend to be really hard on myself, especially when it comes to school/grades, but I am constantly working to be more accepting of my flaws. Whenever I'm stressed, I remind myself that it's all small stuff. It's surprisingly helpful.
Well my bloggies, it's time to lock myself back in my study dungeon. I hope this guide is helpful (I know it helped me to write it all out!). Probs won't be back until Thursday (which I am affectionately calling "Champagne Day," for no reason in particular, mother), so until then, be well!
Sunday, my sister Paige and my parents came for lunch, and my other sister Kendall came for dinner and to stay the night with me. Food coma, but so nice to see my family and spend some quality time with them.