Have you ever caught yourself just staring into space because you’re just so overwhelmed this finals season? Well I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone, and there are ways to deal with the pressures that finals may bring. I understand that it’s easier to say you’ll do something rather than actually do it, but by taking some time for YOU finals won’t have the ability to crush you! People tend to underestimate what a little bit of downtime can do for your health, because how terrible is just 15 more minutes of work? Well, taking that 15 minutes for you time instead of work can be the difference between an average paper and a well thought out paper. Just remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Here are a few ways in which you can take a little time out of your day for yourself.
Yoga: Getting in that time and energy for a full work out at the gym seems daunting to many people, especially when you’re lacking the energy for it. I think yoga is a great alternative because it focuses on your relaxation and making your physical and mental self feel good. I found a yoga class at my school that happens every Monday and Wednesday for one hour. Initially I had the mentality that I couldn’t waste that whole hour that I could have been using to do homework, but I’ve grown to love this hour of yoga to focus on myself. I have made it a routine with my best friend to take this small part of the day to unwind and make ourselves feel good!
Watching Shows: Going on Hulu or Netflix is always a great escape when you need to just stop thinking. I am currently watching Good Trouble on Hulu and New Girl on Netflix (two shows I highly recommend). Sometimes the thought of everything I have to accomplish just shocks me, leaving me in this random space of staring and not moving. To prevent these overwhelmed moments I set up the specific assignments I will finish and reward myself with an episode of one of those shows. Taking just that 30-40 minutes to adjust my mind is so helpful and energizing.
Plans to Have Fun: Although the mentality that you don’t have time to go out with your friends in the evening or on the weekends tends to hinder any plan making, I am telling you to throw that thought away and go out! Staying glued to your desk and laptop for hours upon hours is unhealthy. It is not worth it to waste time on an assignment you didn’t put your all into. Recently my friends and I have taken an evening to go out and get food together or to go to a party on the weekends to just dance! These couple of times dedicated to my pleasure have truly helped me in maintaining the motivation to head back to my laptop and finish up my assignments.
Overall do not push yourself too far this finals season. Losing energy without any time to gain it back isn’t worth it because those assignments will not be done to their fullest potential. Dedicate that small fraction of the day to your mental health and then keep on grinding!