FINALS!!!

FINALS!!! Hey guys, Okay, so lets all collectively take a deep breath, count to 10, and then let it out, because were all going to be fine. Yes, I understand finals are upon us, whether youre in high school still, or in college, but its going to be okay. With several classes to study for, several papers to write, and a project to finish, I can empathize with my fellow students who might be freaking out right now, and what Im about to tell you might seem crazy, but hang with me on this one. Go have fun  Yes, thats right, go have fun. You can study  every day before your finals until the break of dawn, but if youre so stressed and sleep deprived that you can barely function, you wont be much use to yourself when it matters most. So let me be your friendly guide on how to relax and take appropriate study breaks, that will leave you recharged, and ready to hit the books once again. Watch your favorite show Theres nothing quite like watching your favorite characters go about their daily life adventures on the screen; its relaxing seeing something thats familiar that isnt an equation, an essay, or an explanation of the history of fauna. WARNING: Do not get lost in a whole season of your favorite TV show! Limit it to an hour tops! You still have to study remember? (Image found on http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/best-netflix-instant-movies/2/) Go out for a snack Nothing too heavy, because you dont want to be drowsy afterwards. Try a small helping of some comfort food, like ice cream. For those of you who have been to the Illinois  campus, my first choice would for sure be Cocomero. And while youre at it, take a friend; laugh, eat, forget about your responsibilities for just a little while. Once you return to your studies, youll feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, and you can get anything done. (Image found on http://www.chambanamoms.com/2010/05/25/fro-tastic-date-night-at-cocomero/) Take a nap Probably my favorite, yet most dangerous option. Yes, taking a nap can recharge those batteries that have been running low at this end of the semester, however you run the danger of turning your nap into a full fledged 8 hour siesta. Make sure you set plenty of alarms, or have a friend or roommate keep an eye on how long youve been out. (Image found on http://collegelife.about.com/od/healthwellness/a/Tips-To-Help-College-Students-Sleep.htm) I know guys are still going to be stressed, because theres a lot to do, but remember that you have to take care of two things; your finals and yourself. Hope everything goes well! Until next time, Kenny Kenny Class of 2016 I’m in the Creative Writing program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I’m originally from Tampa, Florida, but I’ve been calling Illinois my home since 1998. I’ve lived all over the Northwest suburbs, from Palatine to Lakemoor to where I currently live back home, Mundelein.