Finals season is one of those things we all dread—but also weirdly romanticize. Long nights, too much caffeine, messy desks, and the collective stress of trying to remember everything from the past 12 weeks. It’s a lot.
But it doesn’t have to be all panic and pressure.
In this edition of The Little Things That Matter, we’re talking about how to get through finals week without losing your mind—and maybe even feel kind of okay doing it.
1. Work in focused bursts, not long slogs
Cramming for hours without breaks usually leads to burnout—not better grades. Try breaking your sessions into manageable blocks (like 50 minutes on, 10 minutes off). This helps your brain absorb more and gives your body a chance to reset.
Use the breaks intentionally: stretch, grab a snack, walk around, or switch your environment for a few minutes. Movement helps retention.
2. Turn your space into a study signal
Lighting, sound, even scent—these small things shape how your brain shows up. If you always turn on the same lamp and lo-fi playlist when studying, over time it becomes a cue: this is focus time.
You don’t need a full aesthetic overhaul—just consistency. If you're studying late, switch to softer lighting in the evening to help you stay relaxed but alert (instead of wired and anxious).
3. Make your review visual
Instead of re-reading notes endlessly, try mapping out information visually: flashcards, flowcharts, or even a whiteboard. Teaching the concept out loud—even if just to yourself—forces deeper understanding and keeps you engaged.
Bonus: It breaks up screen fatigue and helps spatial learners retain more.
4. Prioritize rest (yes, seriously)
It’s tempting to stay up until 2am “just to get through it,” but sleep isn’t optional—it’s where memory consolidation actually happens. You’ll retain more by sleeping than by pulling an all-nighter.
If you can’t sleep early, at least build a wind-down routine that helps signal your brain to shift gears. Red lights (shameless Buddy plug hehe), light stretching, or even just putting your phone across the room can help you decompress faster.
You don’t have to be perfect during finals. You just have to be steady. Set yourself up with small routines, limit unnecessary noise, and give yourself some grace.
What’s one finals survival habit that actually helps you?
Drop your tip in the comments—let’s help each other make it through.