<p>db is stressing out. I can tell. As are many of us, I'm sure. So howabout people list there tips/tricks/avoidances during finals season so we can all go home happy! Try to keep it to bullets so we don't have to strain ourselves reading.. =P</p>
<p>-eat well. Everyone says this, no one listens. Try to eat protein, carbs, and fruits/veggies. While that bag of Skittles is tempting, bring along some cheese or veggie sticks to eat with them. Also, look for small meals that you can simply microwave (Healthy Choice steamers and Complete Meals are great!)</p>
<p>-don't drink (heavily) during finals. I know there might be an urge, but just don't.</p>
<p>-sleep. seriously.</p>
<p>-exercise. Go for a walk every hour and a half, take a break, get some cool air on your face. Try to go for a run or long walk when you have a hour or so. It will keep you alert and less tired.</p>
<p>-keep liquids going. I find that if I have something to drink, I'm less likely to get distracted from thirst/hunger or think I'm either of the above.</p>
<p>-find a favorite energy drink, if you want to go that route. And, don't feel bad if you do, everyone does eventually. I personally have found a niche for Mountain Dew Amp (green), Red Bull (Sugar-free), and the Vitamin Water ones. Just make sure you can sleep later on.</p>
<p>first, i adore you shoe. :) I wouldn't say I'm more stressed; I'm just a bit more hardcore. (you'll see in a moment lol.) And my tolerance level for stupidity has decreased tremendously.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Finals is the most glorious time of the year. I love it. Everything just stops. Pauses. Just for a moment. It's like the dawn before a battle. Enjoy it. Prepare for the battle that lies before you. Don't be scared. If you have trepidation in your heart, you will fail at the task that lies before you.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't be scared. The ones that are afraid are the first ones killed in the battle.</p></li>
<li><p>Competition is fierce. Tis an unfortunate thing. Because of it, you will study and study and study and still fail. But use that sense of competitiveness to your advantage. </p></li>
<li><p>This is not a time for brotherly love. It's a time to mutiny. Focus on yourself. Don't focus on those around you. If the night before one of your tests, someone frantically comes asking for help around 12, don't help them. You need sleep and they should have started studying long ago. You'll be up late and they, being stupid, will be up late and still confused. It's their fault they kept it until the last minute. They need to learn. The weak must fall. </p></li>
<li><p>Focus on yourself. At the end of the day, you have you. </p></li>
<li><p>Take care of your body. Not only is this a challenge and marathon for your brain, it's a marathon for the rest of your body. Your body needs rest and proper nutrition to be in optimal condition. If you run the marathon at anything less than your best, you will fail.</p></li>
<li><p>Failure is not an option. Do or do not; there is no try.</p></li>
<li><p>Keep your eye on the ball. Don't get distracted by the sidelines. </p></li>
<li><p>Smear chocolate under your nose. Yeah, you heard me. The smell of chocolate helps with memory. Do it when you study and when you take your exams. And yes, I do this. But my skin is brown so no one notices.</p></li>
<li><p>Stay in the same place when studying. Don't go from Clems to Clarke to your room and then to Alderman. No. False. Stay in one place. It helps your feeble brain process more efficiently.</p></li>
<li><p>Remember, this glorious battle named Finals is something to revel in. Go outside, close your eyes, feel the stinging wind. It builds character. Open your eyes with the idea of murdering your exams in your head. Visualize that test asking about tryptophan hydroxylase and it's relationship with 5-HIAA and serotonin turnover. And see yourself circling the right answer. </p></li>
<li><p>Enjoy it. This time only comes twice a year. Show your brilliance. (or idiocy.) And show off your superior brain.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I admire you very much (your motivation, your studiousness, your determination, etc., etc.), but.....</p>
<p>Lol! Anyone who LOVES finals needs help. Seriously.</p>
<p>I'm intrigued by #9, the chocolate thing (now THAT's something to love).</p>
<p>Anyway, do you have any scientific data to support your contention that memory retention is improved when chocolate is used as you suggest? Just curious; since I've never met a type of chocolate I didn't like, if I was a student staring finals in the face, I'd take your advice even if your only evidence is antidotal.</p>
<p>Oh trust me. I needed scientific evidence too. I don't just smear chocolate under my nose for anyone lol. HHD, I have a feeling you laughed at me. ;)</p>
<p>:) I used to hate finals (like most people.) But I realized, that's when so many people fail. And that's when you can rise to the challenge. I don't know how to explain it. Being the best is not good enough; it's going above and beyond what others do and excelling at a higher level. Instead of cursing the people who screw up the curve, be the person who screws it up. It's all about competition. Who can learn/cram the most, who can stay awake longest, who can beat the system. What greatness.</p>
<p>P.S. I only get this way during finals. During the year, I'm pretty normal.</p>
<p>tip: DON'T say you'll wake up early to study because you'll inevitably wake up 10 minutes before the final is supposed to start... thank god i live in brown!!!! but seriously... don't do that... it's unduly stressful.</p>
<p>Made me laugh db, I might just eat the chocolate though ;) They say similar things about Red Wine too, I think that's appropriate drinking shoe.</p>