By Kelly Leslie, Student at San Francisco State University

Are you feeling the stress of finals now that it is the end of the school year? I know I am!

The end of the semester is always the most overwhelming, exhausting time, and it feels like it is never going to end. On top of that, we are all trying to pull those A’s to bring up our GPAs.

Just remember to take a deep breath because stress will only hurt you in the long run. Here are a few tips to help you ace those final exams:

Find out which study method works best for you.
Whether you like to work off a study guide, from flashcards or in a group, it is important to know what works best for you and stick with it. If flashcards and take-home quizzes are your method, check out Quizlet.com. This website creates study questions and quizzes based on your study guide. If you work better in groups, make sure to plan ahead of time. Find out when everyone is available a week or two in advance and remember to come prepared with your study guide!

Eliminate distractions before you get caught up in them.
We all know how easy it is to become distracted by our favorite blogs and social networking sites, especially since they are only a mouse click away. It is even more distracting now that they are always at our fingertips through our smartphones. Set aside a designated study time during your day and turn your phone off during that time. You can even download apps on your computer to block websites for an allotted time period so that you are not tempted to go on them.

Try to avoid surfing the web during your study breaks, because it is easy to lose track of time. Instead, take a short walk or enjoy a healthy snack away from your computer screen. This will help keep you energized.

Remember the importance of putting yourself first.
It is difficult to do well on your exams if you are not the very best you that you can be. This means getting enough sleep, eating right, staying hydrated and exercising. Most college girls rely on junk food and all-nighters to help them cross the finish line. Even though this seems like the only option at the time, it will ultimately just lead you to frustration. Try to manage your time so that you can eat a healthy dinner and get a good night of rest.

If you have time, try to fit a short workout into your schedule.
Not only does exercising help your overall health, it actually makes you more alert and energized post-workout. If you are starting to crash while studying or writing a paper, grab some friends and go for a quick jog. This way you will have some time to catch up with your friends and energize yourself while you’re at it. A healthy you is a more happy, successful you!

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