We are nearing the end of the semester, and thank goodness for winter break, because we all need it. No matter what year of college you’re in, or how many classes/extracurriculars you do, sometimes you just get burned out.
We’re down to the wire in these last few weeks, so there isn’t much you can do in terms of deadlines and classes, but there are others ways to take care of yourself during finals season.
1. Schedule your study sessions and breaks
I’m honestly really bad at doing this, however, I’ve heard it works! Your mind can only be focused and on study mode for oh so long. And, if you schedule your breaks, you’ll be less likely to spend two hours instead of twenty minutes on Instagram. This definitely takes a certain level of self-discipline, so if you’re like me, just delete social media platforms from your phone. You’ll compensate for your lack of updated meme knowledge with a poppin’ GPA.
2. Schedule time for yourself
This could be for basically anything that isn’t school related. I don’t know about you, but the amount of times I’ve been invited to do something and haven’t because I was stressed about school work certainly outweighs the amount of times I’ve gone out. I’m not saying you should drop all your work, but just like other things in life, your social life and academics need a balance. It’s certainly a work in progress, but even if you have to ask your friends to come to you and sit with you while you do work, that’s progress.
3. As cliche as it may be: treat yourself!
If you’re too lazy to cook dinner, just buy the food. If you have a chocolate craving, just buy the chocolate. If you randomly have an urge to buy yourself ten different types of face masks, buy the face masks. As a person that is quite stingy and cheap, I have to wholeheartedly support you and myself when it comes to spending some money for momentary happiness during finals. Look, money will only last so long, but preserving your sanity is forever.
4. Seek Professional Help
This last suggestion comes with understanding myself how difficult it may be to approach this avenue, but there is nothing wrong with going to a school counselor and just admitting you need some help with your mental health. Not all burnouts can be solved with face masks and chocolate. Sometimes your mind has checked out into a stressed place that you may genuinely need help getting out of. As a person who has let it deeply affect me until I had already caused enough pain to myself and others, there is nothing wrong with seeking out help from a school counselor/therapist.
There are only a few weeks left in this semester, but taking care of your mental health is a lifelong benefit. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, and don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself. You can only do your best, and that is enough.