Finals week is a very important and difficult time for many college students. However, during this stressful time, many students forget that it’s just as important to wind down as it is to study incessantly for hours on end. Although I’m a freshman, throughout high school and college finals week, I’ve always been met with a mixture of stress, anxiety, and the anticipation that school is almost over. These emotions make it almost impossible not to feel like your life depends on every A, and an hour you spent reading a book is an hour that could’ve been spent studying for chemistry. Clearly, it is important to study, however, it is just as smart to take a deep breath and wind down once in a while to clear your head and ultimately end up with an even sharper mind to approach your material.
One great way to wind down is by reading a book. Although you might be tired from all the readings you’ve already had to read for classes, many people forget the joy that comes from reading an enthralling novel. There are plenty of amazing books out there that are sure to keep you interested and entertained while also giving you a boost to your creativity and energy. Reading is a great way to take a break from studying while not getting too distracted that you can’t hit the class books right after.
Another great thing to do to relax your mind is to take a short nap. If you’re feeling tired and want a boost in energy, napping might be the thing for you. In my experience, a 90-minute nap or even just a period of relaxation for that allotted amount of time makes you feel more alert and focused when you get back to studying. Make sure to set your alarm so you don’t spend more time relaxing or sleeping than you are meant to.
Although this is a bit more controversial, I love to watch an episode of my favorite show between assignments. TV can often become overpowering and it may be difficult to shut off your show to continue studying when you’ve already started watching for the evening, but I think if this strategy works for you it can be a great way to take a break during a stressful finals season. Try to rewatch something you’ve already seen so the stakes aren’t as high when it comes time for you to stop and continue studying. I personally love binging old Disney shows since they’re easy to turn on and off and not as overpowering as other dramatic television can be.
Finally, I love hanging out with my friends when I feel the need to take a study break. Sometimes grabbing a cup of coffee, talking, and sharing the stress can be exactly what you need on a jam-packed study day. I love sitting around and sharing a laugh with friends before having to continue my reading and writing. After some fun, my friends and I usually end up studying together anyway which, to me, makes the whole experience even better.
Overall, despite the stress of finals season, make sure you’re staying aware of your needs and both your mental and physical state. Although you may not feel it, taking a break is never a bad idea and can sometimes make you come back even better and more refreshed than before. Everyone has their own idea of relaxation, but I hope these suggestions give you some ideas on new things you can try and the importance of taking care of yourself during finals season. Most importantly, best of luck on your finals season!