Step-By-Step Guide to the Finals Week Personal Day

by Maria 

Impending exams bring out the worst in even the best among us. I'd like to propose a 12-step alternative to self-flagellating in the library until the wee hours of the morning. No yoga pants or crying allowed.

1. Strike that delicate balance between early rising and sleeping in by waking at a perfect 8:30am.

2. I'm no morning showerer so I'd just wash and moisturize my face here but you do what you want.

3. Braid your hair if long enough, or hold back with a headband otherwise for maximum tension headache avoidance.

4. Change out of your pajamas. Put on clean pajamas.

via zosuen

5. Make breakfast and eat in bed while catching up on your shows or blogs or social media. You deserve it. I'm a big cereal with milk and fruit + black coffee kind of girl but if you're in the market to treat yourself to something more elaborate may I recommend:

Nutella stuffed french toast via Love and Lemons
Sweet potato pie oats via Minimalist Baker 
Toast four ways via Cupcakes and Cashmere

6.  Clean up your kitchen, make your bed, maybe do some light morning yoga if you're so inclined. Dance in front of your mirror. I usually go the late-90s Latin revival route but I like to think musical accompaniment is a deeply personal choice . Or maybe just a little stretching. Wouldn't want to overdo it.

7. Given that it's about 10 or 11 by now, you should probably start making lists. Pen to paper. Lists make everyone feel productive. Map out your game plan then organize your workspace. Spread out everything you need to start studying or writing or doing whatever it is that you do. Take your first break. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Go get some soup.

8.  Begin the real work in the early afternoon.

9. Take another break around 4pm. I'd shower here, if you haven't already. Prepare to relocate to your favorite local coffee house. Put on something nice but not too nice. Go for a bold daytime lip if you have a thing for the barista.

via blafond

10. Be sure to bring headphones so you can listen to a classic film that's available on youtube (Notorious or Prix de Beauté for example) while you work. Optional one minute pastry + latte + book instagram break included.

11. Finish by 8. Meet a friend or a pretty boy for dinner and perhaps a drink, depending on tomorrow's schedule.

12. Sleep before midnight. Feel accomplished.