IT’S BACK!! Finals season is almost upon us again, and I feel as though midterms were literally last week! Over-caffeinated, sleep deprived, and stressed-out students are flooding every coffee shop, library and lounge area on campus and it’s easy to feel even more alone now than ever. Everyone is cramming and the end of the quarter, and winter break is so close yet feels so far. Finding the strength to keep pushing gets harder by the day and it’s safe to say everyone’s mood is not so cheerful. Going on my third year, I have come to learn many ways to destress during the most stressful time of year and how to self-motivate myself to push on all the way through. Here are a few of my tips on helping you survive finals week!
SELF MF CARE!
Yes, this is always at the top of everyone’s lists, so I am sure you are tired of reading it. But it’s because it’s true! I don’t care if you feel like you don’t have enough time to take a quick shower or if you’re too tired to make your bed – DO IT! When scheduling studying sessions, make sure to also incorporate an hour or so to just focus on you. Whether that means allowing yourself to scroll on Tiktok in your bed, taking a warm bath or shower, washing your face, and doing a face mask or simply feeding yourself (please eat you guys), setting a time to focus on yourself every day is crucial to avoiding burn out and falling into this robot mode where all you are doing every day is hunched over your notes (STRAIGHTEN YOUR BACK AND UNCLENCH YOUR JAW RIGHT NOW!)
Dance break!
Now, I don’t know about you all, but dancing to my favorite song seems to always bring up my energy. Whenever I am feeling sluggish or if I am starting to find it hard to concentrate, I turn up my favorite song and go crazy. This is also a fun activity to do with your roommates or study buddies! It takes your mind off the chaos that is finals week and allows you to relax for a bit. And if dancing’s not really your thing? Sing it out! Scream! Anything to get you out of that chair and moving is beneficial not just for your ability to retain the information you are studying, but also to perk up your mood and remind yourself that it’s just another day.
Nature walks!
I am super guilty of losing track of time when I am studying and finding myself stuck in the same spot for hours at a time, and I know I’m not alone in this. Save your progress, close that screen and step outside for some fresh air. Take a walk around campus or take a bus to your favorite public park and sit and vibe! Play some music, draw, write, or just sit and stare. Just being outside and allowing your body to feel the fresh air does wonders for your mind and wakes you up!
At the end of the day, only you will figure out what works for you. Make sure that you don’t let this week bring you down and remember, your test scores do not define you! Keep your head up and let’s finish this quarter strong!