Turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, butter, cranberries and pumpkin pie: The typical Thanksgiving meal for millions across the United States. A meal that averages nearly 2,500 calories. Double that if you go back for seconds.
With a single plate of food, that’s enough energy to feed one man for a whole day.
A challenge for many to see just how much they can force down. ‘Tis the season, after all. Whether your goals were met or not, there is no agony of defeat when you fail; only the well-deserved food coma that undoubtedly overwhelms.
Gorging, stuffing and cramming every bit of food in your belly aside, there is one more challenge left to overcome before Christmas takes over.
Finals week.
Snap back to reality. There is three weeks left before all of the campus is homeward bound for the holidays, and that means buckling down to make the grades. Here are a few things to keep in mind as finals week quickly approaches.
- Exercise
It is a great way to work off the Thanksgiving-hangover and ease the tension that will surely come with preparing for finals week. Hardcore workouts aren’t necessary. A quick walk or just a trip around the block for some fresh air could be just what your body needs to get back in the swing of things.
- Make a schedule
Plan when you will write your papers, study your notes, make flashcards and highlight or tab important sections of text. Thinking ahead will go a long way to reducing stress when the time comes to execute the plan. Set a guideline for every day and stick to it.
- Eat power foods
Everyone ate too much over Thanksgiving. Recover by avoiding fast food or takeout for the rest of the week. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great way to jolt your system, boosting metabolism and increasing overall energy.
- Remove distractions
If you work at home, clean up your room, tidy up your desk and turn off the television and cell phone. If your living area is too much and distractions continue take a trip to the library for some peace and quiet. Focus on the task at hand for the first few minutes. Once you get in a zone and time flies and work actually gets done.
- Sleep
Setting aside at least six or seven hours for sleep is vitally important for success. Sleep deprivation leads to memory loss, inability to concentrate, headaches and increased stress level. That is a worst-case scenario for finals week.
[Source: Nine way to stay sane during Finals Week]
