By Jennifer Werner, Student at Radford University

It’s that time of year again when the stress of finals can seem overwhelming. Of course, studying for finals when the weather is nice and sunny out can be a challenge. The excitement of summer and catching up with friends before everyone leaves on break can definitely be a distraction. So why not be proactive and combine both?

Take Your Study Group Outside

Get your friends together, pack a healthy snack and lather on that sunscreen. Find a quiet spot on campus or even out on your lawn. You can work on your tan and get schoolwork done.

Set Goals For Yourself

Write down the assignments you need to do and the tests you need to study for. Take some time to focus only on your work. When you’re done, reward yourself. It can be tempting to procrastinate on schoolwork when your friends are texting you to hang out, so make sure you prioritize. If you can manage your time effectively, you’ll see that you can have the best of both worlds.

Eat Healthy

When cramming for finals, junk food from the vending machine is convenient but will make you feel lethargic. Instead of eating a greasy bag of chips, eat a piece of fruit or a bag of mixed nuts. The nutrients from the fruit and nuts will give you energy and make you feel less tired.

Soda can also be an easy go-to drink to keep you awake to study, but the sugary, carbonated substance will make you bloat. Instead, drink a cup of coffee or tea, and above all else, drink tons of water. Coffee is known to have antioxidants in it, and the water will help you feel refreshed by clearing the toxins out of your body.

Keep your chin up! You’re almost done. Push yourself a little harder and hang in there. Summer is right around the corner!

Image courtesy of anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net