If you’re in university, you’ll understand the April grind, aka running on little sleep and BiblioCafe food. Each semester, at least at UVic, classes end at the end of March/early April, and then it’s go time. Final papers, final projects, presentations, thesis orals, exams, and more are all due by the end of the month. It can be exhausting, and at times, rewarding, especially in my case, when it’s the last finals season of your degree.Â
Following the end of this exam season, I have been making a conscious effort to take time for myself between job applications and preparation for beginning my M.A. in September. Here are five things I have been engaging in, or plan to, to reset and kick back after a serious finals season.Â
Sleeping, binge-watching Netflix and catching up on chill time.Â
It is important that students and non-students make sure they take the time to rest. We can’t possibly feel rejuvenated heading into the summer season without getting sufficient rest and relaxation. So, sleep in, binge-watch all the new seasons you’ve missed, and take at least one nap a week.
Catching up with friends.
If you’re a more extroverted person like me, as soon as school ends, my calendar is full of plans with friends. While I do see my friends a lot during the school year, there is something special about being able to hang out and chat with friends without the looming presence of school! So far, I’ve gone beachcombing, for walks, for coffee, shopping, and played games with friends—all things I wouldn’t have had time for during the busy end of semester.
Spending time outside.
The opportunity to walk on the beach, alone or with friends, ride my bike, or even just sit on the deck is a luxury of the post-finals season. Since my school work ended one week ago, I have already collected many new beach treasures (sea glass and rocks) and am planning to get back on my bike soon.
Non-academic reading.
While usually I need at least one week off from any kind of reading after a semester ends, this time around, I have jumped into it quite quickly. It is a great feeling knowing that I can read whatever and whenever I want, and it has no impact on my grades! I’m currently reading “Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde”.
Crafting and games.
While I’m just getting started in this department, I have ambitious plans for summer crafts and big hopes for summer game nights. Speaking of my beach glass, I hope to find some creative uses for it, maybe even continue to try out beach glass jewelry making, something I dabbled in this semester. I want to sew more and alter some clothes, and partake in whatever other creative outlets I find myself interested in. When it comes to games, lately I have been playing lots of Cards Against Humanity, Catan, Dutch Blitz (someone please buy me the expansion pack!), and reading tarot….sorry for grouping that into the games section. Although some of my tarot readings lately have been scarily accurate.Â
If you’re finished with your exams, or almost finished, I hope you take the necessary time for yourself. Whether or not you choose to spend your time in similar ways, I hope you rest up and give yourself a brain break before a summer of exploring and/or working arrives.