The dreaded final exam period is right around the corner, which is a good indicator that I will be in Dinand 24/7. If you need me, you will find me in the stacks! With classes wrapping up, it is the perfect time to share some mindful tips to help you get through your exam stress. Studying is very important, but you also need to take time for yourself in order to recharge and have the energy to succeed. So, here is some advice on how to stay calm, cool, and collected during finals:
Eat a balanced breakfast
When the study period starts after classes end, we have a few days designated for review, which usually feels awkward considering we are so used to going, going, and going. Time management is key here. Many students will go directly to Dinand in the morning, going all day without proper meals, and quickly burning out. In order to stay motivated and be able to go long periods, it is VITAL that you eat a healthy, balanced breakfast, holding you over until lunch, where you will obviously need another break. Try to eat something with protein and healthy fats to keep your energy up, along with fruits to get natural sugar.
Designated time to exercise
Personally, if I do not have something written on a to-do list that tells me to work out, I most likely will not. Trust me, I am aware that finals are an extremely busy, exhausting time when we barely have time to breathe, but setting a time to exercise the night before is a great way to set it as a priority. Crossing something off is satisfying, so it would make it so much easier to get through! Working up a sweat will increase your productivity as it clears your mind, allowing you to start on a new foot each time you go back to that cubicle. It can be something as simple as going for a walk outside, which leads me to my next point:
Meditation
I usually struggle with anxiety, with some days being harder than others, and today specifically was rough. I decided to try a walking meditation in the nature trails near Figge Hall. Meditating is something I do on the regular when I sense the stress. Today specifically, I could not sit still to do a seated meditation, so this method was perfect for how I was feeling. It felt like a breath of fresh air, a new start to the day, and a chance to clear my mind. I took in the vitamin D and leaves moving in the trees which had an immediate calming effect on my brain. Before getting into meditating I was a little judgmental, thinking it was a waste of time, but I really do notice a difference in my anxiety when I prioritize it. With this, when you wake up, right before you go to sleep, or during a break, try a meditation to alleviate your stress. I recommend the Calm App or Melissa Woodhealth.
Switch up the location
During finals last year, I found myself in the same library, same room, and same cubicle every. single. day. This took a toll on my focus, and towards the end I found myself staring at the wall, unable to get anything done because of how bored I was with the space. If you are able, try to get out of the library and find somewhere with a different view–preferably one with sunlight. When I am really trying to grind out an assignment or study for a big exam, I usually walk to Acoustic Java in Worcester, which is a cute coffee shop that changes up the vibe from the usual Dinand stacks. I recommend this for people who can study around others, but if you favor working alone, there are always quiet study rooms available in Dinand and the science building that can be a change in scenery.
Talk to others
By this, I mean don’t forget to interact with people around you. During finals, I can go hours without talking to another person because of the amount of studying I have, which is a problem when I am doing it for days on end. Call your parents during your break to steer away from that loneliness. Try not to isolate yourself. After a long day of schoolwork, decompress by getting dinner with friends, FaceTiming a friend, or anything that will get you out of the books and into a social situation. This will take your mind off of the stress that comes with finals and will refresh you to continue. It also helps knowing that you are not alone in this process, and everyone is in the same boat, working to get through it, which we all will.
Good luck with finals!!! <3