Finals season always has a way of sneaking up on us every semester. Swem becomes packed (all the white-boards and study rooms are taken), you’re in late-night study sessions, and you have that constant feeling that there’s always one more thing to study. Feeling stressed is completely normal this time of the year, but it doesn’t have to take over. Here are some practical ways to keep yourself grounded these next few weeks!
Take a FitWell Class:
If you’ve read my previous post, you know that I love going to yoga classes at the Wellness Center! Getting out of your study space and moving your body can do a lot for your mindset. Whether it’s taking a class for yoga, cycling, BodyPump, or Barre, it’ll help you reset both mentally and physically. Even if it feels like you don’t have time, taking an hour to move your body can actually help make your studying even more productive afterward!
Don’t Isolate Yourself:
It’s easy to think that you need to study alone all of the time, but isolating yourself can actually make your stress feel heavier. If you can, try studying with your friends, meeting up with classmates, or even working in public spaces like Read & Relax in Swem. Being around others can boost your motivation and remind you that you’re not going through finals alone!
Study in Different Spots:
Switching up your studying environment can actually help some people with their focus and memory. If you’ve been in the same place for hours or even days, try moving around to random study spots on campus. The Wren Building and Alumni House are always cool spaces to study in during finals week! A change of scenery can refresh your attention and help you avoid being burned out by feeling “stuck” in one place.
Take Breaks:
Sometimes studying nonstop may feel like the best way to get everything done, but it often leads to burnout. Give yourself some short breaks to step away from your work and computer to recharge. If you can step outside, even better! Whether it’s a quick walk or a quick nap, breaks can help you come back to your work even more focused.
Make Sure to Sleep:
Sleep is actually one of the most important parts of finals week. Staying up all night can feel productive, but it tends to hurt your ability to retain information. “Sleeping on it” helps you encode that information properly. Getting enough rest can improve your performance significantly!
Make Sure to Stay Hydrated and Eat:
When you get busy, simple habits are usually the first to go, which unfortunately includes eating and drinking water. Make an effort to drink enough water and eat real meals throughout the day. Your brain genuinely needs nutrition to focus, and staying hydrated can help you avoid getting headaches or feeling sluggish while studying.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to:
Thankfully, finals don’t last forever. Having something planned like seeing your friends, going home, or just taking a day to relax can help you stay motivated and finish studying. It gives you a reminder that there’s an end point ahead! I remember after spring finals last year, a few friends and I drove down to the OBX. The sunrise itself made me feel like going through finals was worth it.
Finals week is challenging, but it is temporary. Taking care of yourself along the way isn’t a distraction!
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