The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and the students are getting more and more burnt out. It’s that time of the semester: Hell Week.  

“Hell Week” or “Dead Week” is common U.S. slang referring to the week before finals and the stress it can cause for students. Naturally, we are cramming for that test, practicing that presentation for the thousandth time, or finessing a paper. If you’re really unlucky, you’re doing all three. Most of us are either behind on sleep or work. It is easy to jump to the ‘quick fixes’ or bandage the situation with lots of caffeine and all-nighters. However, your mental and physical health will suffer as a result, and you will most likely not be able to perform to the best of your ability. Thus, we must develop healthy study habits and mindsets to be our best and brightest selves.   

The most important time to prioritize your health is the time you would normally neglect it. So, is it possible to care for yourself and be an A-student? Well, the CDC believes they are actually linked, stating, “[h]ealthy students are better on all levels of academic achievement: academic performance, education behavior, and cognitive skills and attitudes.” The research shows that when we invest in ourselves, we invest in academics. Obviously, moderation is key. But that is why we must listen to our bodies, even during finals week.   

“Rest and digest” is a saying for a reason! While studying, don’t be afraid to take breaks to reset. It actually can be quite helpful to look at something with a fresh set of eyes. I recommend the Pomodoro Technique, where you set an alarm and work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break and repeat! In addition, for every 3-4 sets, take a 30-minute break instead!  

Remember that sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. A well-rested mind is more focused, alert, and better equipped to tackle exams and make sound decisions. The Sleep Foundation recommends 8 hours of sleep for college students on a regular basis. However, fewer than 10 percent of students sleep 8 hours before final exams. In addition, they found that “[a]ll-nighters significantly impair cognitive performance, just as much as being intoxicated. An all-nighter produces the same effects as a 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration.” Sleep is necessary for memory processing and cognitive function, so it must be your best friend during finals.  

Now that we have tackled sleep, why not flourish your nourishment with a hearty breakfast! Have you skipped a meal to study lately? Studies done by the CDC found that a quality breakfast improved cognitive performance and academic grades. While the temptation may be strong to survive on a diet of fast food and energy drinks, your body and brain will thank you for choosing healthier options. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins can boost cognitive function and enhance memory—essential tools for acing those exams.  

Exercise, no matter how brief! Exercise is a powerful stress reliever and mood booster. Incorporating even a short walk or quick workout into your daily routine can significantly reduce anxiety levels and help you gain a more positive mindset. Thus, it will help improve overall academic performance.  

Having trouble getting started? Visit the WORD Studio or the Peterson Quantitative Resource Center! These peer-to-peer tutoring centers are a great resource on campus to get support on assignments and included in your St. Lawrence tuition. The WORD Studio can help with writing, oral, reading, and design assignments. It located in ODY by the computer lab on the main level. To schedule an appointment, log on to Starfish. The PQRC helps provide mathematical, statistical, and computational support to students. There are no appointments necessary; simply visit Valentine 125.  

These services are available all week and all semester long, and the tutors/mentors are trained to help with any assignment at any point in the process at any level. This is one of the ways SLU supports its student’s academic success.   

Finally, is it simply just too much? There are other options. It is perfectly fine to reach out to your professors and ask for an extension. It can be tempting to want to get an assignment over with, but that doesn’t always support the best grade. However, taking the extra time to turn in quality work will show your professor that you are committed to the material and want to succeed. If push comes to shove, there is the option of taking an ‘incomplete’ for a class and working with the professor to complete the work on an alternate timeline.   

All in all, Hell Week doesn’t have to live up to its name. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you can navigate this challenging time with resilience and success. Remember that taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your academic goals but a crucial component of achieving them. As you face the final stretch of the semester, embrace healthy habits, listen to your body, and trust that a well-balanced approach will lead to both academic excellence and personal well-being.