It is time to get motivated.

It’s the holidays – and while that means Christmas is coming, it also means that finals are here. And that means the stakes are high, and we all want to finish strong. 

These days need to be approached the right way, so you can really knock the rest of the semester out of the park. Here are some tips on how to do so.

1. Plan ahead

It’s best to get all your exams, projects and assignments in order so you can plan accordingly.  Additionally, start thinking of how you are going to approach these. The sooner you start, the easier these assignments are going to be.

2. Don’t procrastinate.

While working on these projects or studying for these exams, make sure you don’t fall into distraction. Leave your phone in your backpack, and make sure you stay off of Instagram while on your laptop. Procrastinating only makes the work last longer.

3. Reward yourself.

After working hard, make sure to reward yourself. Whether it is a couple of M&M’s, that new Starbucks drink you have been dying to try or a date with your favorite television show, it is essential that you reward yourself. Truthfully, you deserve it. It is okay to give yourself some credit.

4. Take care of yourself. 

In the midst of ending the semester strong, you need to make time to take care of yourself. This includes giving your body nutritious food and working out. Exercise not only strengthens your body, but it’s also good for your mental health. You need an outlet to burn off stress, and it’s scientifically proven that a nice workout can do that for you. Also, it can be hard to have alone time during college, so working out can be a great time to reflect on your thoughts.

5. Don’t stress out too much. 

It’s finals week, so that means you will be stressed. But for the long run, is school really worth losing sleep over? If you failed your test, you are not a failure. Maybe you try to study harder next time, or maybe this subject is not your forte.

One thing I have learned in college is that getting anxious does more harm than good. Life is too short to be anxious. I am not saying you should never try in school, but if you study your hardest and you do the best you can without going mentally insane, you should give yourself a pat on the back. You are worth much, much more than your GPA. When you’re stressing, consider whether what you are freaking out about will matter in ten years. Chances are it won’t, and you are wasting precious time worrying about it.

Above all, have some faith. You are almost at the finish line! It is time for you to get focused and kick some serious butt this semester. I believe in you, but what matters most is that you believe in yourself.

Start believing, and you will be shocked at the goals you are achieving.

What gets you through finals week? Comment below!