Finals week is next week, and staying healthy is key to success. From mindful habits to cozy study spots, here’s how to thrive during crunch time. Students and staff have plenty of tips for staying on top of their game, whether it’s fueling up with the right snacks, managing stress or finding the perfect study space. 

Dr. Nathan Meier, professor of Kinesiology, has published research on stress relief methods in university students, and offers valuable insights into staying healthy and productive during finals. 

“God made you in His image, so allow yourself to experience a wide range of things each day,” said Meier. “Pray, praise, express your emotions, move your body, connect with people, serve others, and experience awe in music, art, nature and people. Being hyper-focused on single aspects of your being can limit feeling whole or ‘life to the fullest,’ as John records Jesus saying in the Gospel.” 

Meier encourages students to appreciate the luxury of being able to study. “You are well-educated and have amazing opportunities, more than most people in all of human history. Enjoy this time you have as a student, as it is seldom repeated.” 

For managing stress, Meier suggests writing out the work that needs to be done and reverse-engineering solutions over time. “Spend five minutes to plan what needs to be done each day so you stay goal-oriented.” 

He also noted that stress is a normal response to challenges and can drive action when approached positively. He recommends a mindset that views studying as similar to fitness training: implementing a regular schedule, sets, reps and rest. He advised going beyond recall memory into more active learning, which can be accomplished by explaining concepts aloud, answering questions from memory and creating exam questions.  

To stay balanced, there are campus resources like the Writing Center for composition support and tutors for specific subjects. Study groups with motivated peers can also provide structure and encouragement. 

For students preparing for finals for the first time, Meier suggests over preparing rather than under preparing. He recommended using the Pomodoro method timers to focus and maintain productivity, keeping a note of distractions to address later, and prioritizing sleep after studying to aid retention. 

To use the Pomodoro method, start your study session with a timer set for 25 minutes, and focus on it without interruption. When the timer goes off, take a five minute break, then repeat. 

Carlos Olat, a senior and student athlete on the men’s water polo team, recommends starting early and not procrastinating. “Don’t leave anything to the last minute, Olat said. He prioritizes eating plenty of veggies to stay energized and getting at least eight hours of sleep every night to keep his mind sharp. When it’s time to study, his dorm is his favorite spot to focus.

Senior from New Zealand and track team member Leah Powick prefers studying on the balcony at the BMC, where the fresh air helps her concentrate. The BMC is the perfect study spot, offering a quiet, often empty environment with a beautiful view of the field and a nice breeze. Powick finds physical activity a great way to break up study sessions and stay refreshed. Her advice is to set clear goals for each session and keep a bag of pistachios handy for a healthy study snack. 

Anna Tucker, a sophomore also from New Zealand on the track team, said that keeping her phone out of reach is key to staying productive. “I put my phone in time-out,” she said. Tucker believes in the power of physically writing down notes to help with memory and prefers the atmosphere of Eagles’ Landing for her study sessions. Her favorite snack? Chocolate licorice bowls as a sweet treat to keep her going. 

Alexander Guerrero, a junior, swears by noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions. He recommends studying in the Theta lounge, as it’s his favorite place for a quiet environment. Guerrero loves acai bowls as a healthy and refreshing snack, and enjoys listening to music while studying. 

With finals approaching, taking care of your body and mind is just as important as hitting the books. Whether it’s finding the right spot to study, eating energizing snacks or managing stress through good habits, these student tips are sure to help you succeed. 

If you need help or advice please make sure to visit the Tutoring Center and the Writing Studio (located on the second floor of the library), while also speaking to your advisors for advice! The Wellness Center is also available for support with mental and physical health. 

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