We dread them, we curse them, we avoid them-finals. Whether it be a final exam, paper or presentation, it’s just that word, “final” that sends shivers down my spine. If you are anything like me you will pretend they don’t exist until the very last minute. It isn’t until I lay in bed at night not sleeping with the anxiety of having to write a 20 page paper in 5 hours that I know it’s time to get started. Panic truly sets in when I am faced with a blank white page in front of me, staring with that flashing black line taunting me. Surely if I get up for a glass of water there will be words on the page when I return. No? What about if I make a sandwich, take a run, get some coffee? It appears this paper will simply not write itself.
Once I am fully caffeinated and sit down to start what is bound to me my most magnificent piece of work yet, there is something missing. That’s right, music. No matter our mood, predictably irritable and stressed at this point, there is always music we can rely on to soothe our nerves. Depending on how quickly this paper needs to be written will depend on the genre of music you set your Pandora station to. If that morning run turned into a half marathon and the paper is due tonight you may want to try the techno station and get another cup of coffee. For me, I like to be serenaded by Adele so I can do some emotional healing while also being productive. We’re all different and that’s the beautiful thing about music, it pleases all of us. There have been studies done to prove our brain only works consistently for about 20 minutes at a time. Set your alarm for 20-30 minute intervals and have a dance party in your living room for 5 minutes. Who knew final paper writing could be so fun?! However if you are in the library I would suggest taking your dance party to the bathroom to avoid distraction.
Good luck on your finals!!!
- Felicity
