Taking care of your mental and physical well-being during finals is essential. However, during my first ever exam period in 2013, I neglected to pay attention to my mental and physical health and I was way more burned out from my exams than I should have been. This meant that, due to a combination of factors, my first exam period was particularly difficult.
For one, I had an exam on the last day (I understand the pain everyone – you can do it). My last two exams were my toughest, and I found myself each day in a state of anxious anticipation. I felt that I couldn’t take a day off from studying because, I felt a tremendous sense of guilt.
Secondly, the UBC exam period is quite long. Back in my home country of the United States, exam periods tend to be only five days. Although I was grateful to have the extra time to study, and my American friends were certainly envious, two and a half weeks of constant studying is draining!
Thirdly, I felt like I never saw the sun. As a Californian, I am used to seeing the sun or a sliver of blue sky at least multiple times a week. However, Vancouver does not always give us this luxury as we are all well aware. During my first exam period, I would wake up, study, and before I knew it the sun was setting – at 4:00 PM!
Lastly, I was still adjusting to my new home at this time and I felt homesick seeing that my friends were already celebrating the holidays with their families while I was still studying.
Although these factors have not gone away (unfortunately, I cannot control when the sun sets), I have figured out how to cope with exams much better than I did during first year. One of the best decisions I’ve made was to get an Exam Jam pass from UBC Recreation. For only $25 dollars, I have access to all the classes that take place in the Student Recreation Center and the Ponderosa Commons Studio, which include yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and even Tai Chi.
I make it a goal to go to a UBC Rec class each day during finals. So far during this exam period, I’ve gone to a yoga class every day and it has felt amazing. Getting to do something that you enjoy after a long day of studying really clears your head and allows you to better focus. Although the exam period is still long and I don’t think I’ve seen the sun in days, focusing on my mental and physical health through fitness classes has alleviated a lot of my stress and I feel happy and healthy each day.
Although it may be too late for this exam period, I would highly recommend getting an Exam Jam pass for next term or signing up for a class with UBC Recreation. Alternatively, if these types of classes aren’t your thing, making time to do something you enjoy for at least an hour each day will do wonders for your well-being. Whatever you choose, everyone deserves a study break.Â