It's getting that time of year again. I can almost hear the sound of panicked college students scrambling to cram knowledge in their brains while sucking down coffee just to keep going. Others are freaking out over fifteen page papers worth 30% of their grade, that they've had 3 weeks to do, but have yet to start. Ahhh...the good ole days.
If you are one of these mentioned above, I've come up with a few tips to help you get through this troubling time. So take a break from all your trepidation and listen up.
Chill Out
I know, it's easier said than done. But you really do need to take a deep breath every once in a while. Worrying about something doesn't change anything, just your stress levels. If you've waited too late to get something done, do the best that you can with the little amount of time you have left. That's all you can do.
Go See Your Professor
If you think there's no way you're going to pass a class, then there is only one thing to do in this kind of situation. Beg! Go to your professors office and beg till it hurts. Even try squeezing out a few tears here and there. If you're a guy this might not bring you as much success as it will for ladies, but it's always worth a try.
Get Some Sleep
Staying up till 4 o'clock studying for a test won't do you much good if you can't stay awake the next day to take it. The loss of sleep means the loss of focus, and if you're like me, then you probably don't have much to spare. Study as hard as you can, but try and hit-the-hay around 12 or so. Your brain will be nice and rested the next day so you can give that exam all you've got.
Take A Break Every Now and Then
Your brain can't take in everything all the time. Studies show in order to really grasp information, the brain needs time to absorb what it has learned. Even though you may feel like you're relaxing while watching television, your brain isn't. It's trying to keep up with the storyline, remember details and is bombarded with dozens of commercials at a time. I know this next statement may make me sound like a hippy, but sitting outside and trying to clear your mind every now and then will do you more good than you'd think.
Don't Try To Do Everything At Once
I know it's getting close to the end, but there still may be some time to spread all the things you have to do around. Doing a little at the time from here on out could definitely help you get it all done. Designate each of the next few days to one or two specific thing(s) you have to do and it may help to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Drink Lots Of Water
Your brain works best on lots of water. Not to mention that all of the caffeine you're probably consuming is a liquid diarrhetic (it makes you pee) which will make the likelihood of you being dehydrated even greater. You can even be dehydrated without noticing it, so always drink plenty of water to stay in tip-top mental condition.
*Warning* Like with all things, don't go overboard with this. There is such a thing as water intoxication (water poisoning) which occurs when someone drinks to much water and it can possibly kill you. So please, drink responsibly, even with water.
Stop Wasting Time
Probably the most important advice I can give is, stop screwing around! Get off Facebook, stop looking up animated Christmas trees (Carma), and get up and get started......like NOW!