I’ve just started writing this column at 12:45 a.m. on a Thursday morning. That’s really late for me. I like snuggling into my bed by midnight so I can be rudely awoken by KBIA at 7:30 the next morning.
Alas, it is the penultimate week before finals, and like everyone else, I’m trying to get everything done without completely losing my head. If you’re curious, I’m currently writing a paper on the political context to the acquisition of women’s rights in Mexico and Brazil before independence and during the third wave of democracy.
Riveting.
It’s strange, knowing this is the last time (for a couple of years, anyway) I’ll get to experience the rush of anxiety that comes after Thanksgiving break. I’m not going to miss it by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s been integral in my school life since 10th grade.
Sorry about that tangent. Anyway, this column isn’t going to be some witty (or bitchy — semantics), 600-word diatribe about a minute issue no one cares about. I want to take this space to remind the readers to study safely.
There is no reason to drink obscene amounts of coffee or energy drinks — they’ll just make you jittery (ah, fuck off 5-hour Energy. It has the exact same effect) and further distract you from (re?)learning the material from the semester.
Personally, I have found orange juice to be a phenomenal replacement for caffeine. It has all the vitamins (see vitamin C) to keep you energized and therefore, awake. It’s readily available around campus, so give it a try!
If you aren’t much of an orange juice fan, water is a pretty good beverage as well. Keeping yourself hydrated and alert might be important.
This goes without saying, but please try not to use “study drugs.” Most of the prescription medicines students use to stay alert have nasty side effects, especially when they aren’t prescribed for them. There’s a reason it takes 12 to 13 years to become a psychiatrist. A typical undergraduate probably doesn’t understand the chemistry behind the drug and will probably do more harm than good.
Naps and breaks are great for those studying all day — just make sure the studying isn’t a break from the breaks. I won’t lecture anyone on how to take a nap — you know your body. I will let you know that the LGBTQ Resource Center will be hosting naptime from 1 to 2 p.m. every day during finals week.
Cramming knowledge comes with cramming study food into our mouths. Remember to try to balance out the snack food. Healthier foods will help your mind stay focused. Junk food doesn’t usually have that benefit.
Conjointly with the healthy food comes keeping your body physically healthy. Take a break and go for a walk or run. Go to the rec. (hey, you’re paying $135 a semester for it) and utilize the machines or lift.
Dance with some friends. Clean your room. Practice some yoga! There are a bunch of free videos on YouTube, and it will help you de-stress at your desk. Do something to keep your body active.
My last piece of advice is to be polite to people. The next three weeks are going to be hell for everyone. If we are all on the same base level of “edge” anxiety, reacting at that level is just going to communally compound the stress.
Just take a deep breath. Finals week will not kill you. I promise.
(This is my “lastly” — let’s try not to make rape jokes regarding finals. They aren’t actually funny. Saying you’re going to show sexual aggression against a couple pieces of paper trivializes trauma. Insensitive is the word I’m thinking of.)
