How To Beat Those Finals Blues

As a first time college student, finals have pretty much blown me away! I had always heard from my older friends that finals week was rough, but I never could've imagined that it would be this difficult. I don't think it's the actual tests or papers that worry me, but the week leading up to all of this stuff is what really stresses me out! Here are some things I have been doing that have been helping me get through these few weeks.

1. Baby Steps: I'm in a communications class and my final is a four to five minute speech...I have been dreading it since the first day. My teacher finally gave us the assignment and boy was it overwhelming! I decided to break it up into a few steps and set myself mini due dates! I couldn't believe how helpful it was. I was able to finish my project and now I'm all ready for my speech, with plenty of time to practice!

2. Plan Ahead: I just started a new job, the week before finals...I couldn't even tell you how much that stressed me out! I am supposed to be studying and focusing on my classes but instead I have to go to work every night. Since I knew that this was coming, I decided to try and get as much work done as possible for my finals before work started. Since I did that, I have more time to focus on the new things that come up with school.

3. Utilize Your Time: With my schedule this semester I have big gaps of time between classes. Whenever I have this time between classes or time between school and work, I am sure to use it to get work done for school! Then, while I'm at work, I don't have to constantly be stressing about all the work I have to get done when I get home.

4. Take A Deep Breath: I know finals are a huge deal but you have to remember to live a little and rest. If you're up until all hours of the night studying and writing papers, chances are that you're grades aren't going to be as good as they could be! Everybody needs a little time for themselves, don't forget to take time to relax.

How do you make it through finals week?

In Love With Being Alone

Don't get me wrong, I truly love being surrounded by friends and family but after a long day, there is nothing better than a little "me time". My favorite time of the day is when I'm finally all by myself in my room and I am able to do anything I need to without any distractions! (That probably explains why I write most of my blog posts and one in the morning).

I just enjoy sitting in the silence, reading a book, checking out blogs, or listening to music. It gives me time to reflect on my day and allow my mind to rest from all of the craziness that has been going on throughout the day. It does make me a little more tired they day after but it's totally worth it knowing that I was being productive and getting things done! Since I have been doing this for a couple weeks now, it's almost impossible for me to go to bed without getting a few things checked off my to-do list! (Yes, writing this post was in my to-do list! Check!)

I also find that I am sooooo productive late at night when I'm alone. I usually do all my homework, write my papers and even clean my room while everyone else is sleeping. I think I enjoy this time so much because there are no people around to distract me, I get wayy more things done in a shorter amount of time! I almost feel like I can sleep better knowing that I had gotten so much done before I had to go to bed.

My mom always says I should just get everything done right when I get home from school. But, by that point the last thing I want to do is more work! So, I take that time to watch TV, play on my phone and just relax. Then, at around 9 its time to get to work!

Anyone else enjoy being alone? It can't be just me!