Without a doubt, finals week proves to be the most stressful time of year for college students across the country. The endless hours and days spent studying for numerous classes can be debilitating, as well as exhausting. However, getting through such a tough week with little to no stress and anxiety is possible for everyone! Winter break is within your reach. Here at five activities that will quickly calm your nerves during finals week!
1. Visit a Local Coffee Shop on Campus
If you want a quiet place to unwind or focus on your studies, take a few hours out of your day to walk to one of the many small coffee shops on campus. The walk alone is very peaceful and calming, as a change of scenery can prove to be important in maintaining your focus on your important studies. Once you reach the small cafe of your choice, locate a quiet study space and order your favorite drink or bakery item. This snack will fuel your body and give you the energy to push through your study session! Avoid getting drinks with excessive amounts of caffeine to ensure that you can truly unwind and focus on your notes. You don’t want to stay up all night instead of getting a good night’s sleep!
2. Decorate and Declutter Your Living Space
Before settling down to study for the day, spend an hour or so cleaning your dorm or apartment to clear your mind. Vacuum your floors, clean your kitchen, scrub your bathroom, make your bed, light your favorite candle and organize your closet. You will be extremely surprised by how productive you feel after completing such small tasks within your living space. Studying in a clean, comfortable area is the best feeling! However, your couch or desk is your best friend, not your bed! Studying in your bed will make your body increasingly relaxed, so you definitely don’t want to study half awake.
3. Study with a few friends on the Quad
If you aren’t afraid of the cold, windy weather this season, invite your friends to meet you for a cozy study sesh on the Quad! Grab your warmest blankets and favorite snacks and prepare to bundle up for an evening of fun with some of your favorite study buddies. Sitting in such an open area will make you feel at peace with nature, as well as yourself. Warm yourself up with some hot cocoa if needed!
4. Learn to Relax with Yoga and Meditation
Stress can take a major toll on your mental and physical health. With finals and the busy holiday season approaching, this may feel inevitable. However, with the help of meditation and yoga, you will finally begin to experience a sense of relief. A calm state of mind lifts a heavy weight off your shoulders, preparing you to face any future challenge or obstacle. Stream an instructional video on your TV from any streaming provider and take a deep breath. You got this!
5. Personal Self-Care
To prepare yourself for a final, you must first take care of yourself! Before you begin your nightly routine, grab your favorite face masks and skincare products to create a relaxing spa day. Take a warm bath with bath bombs or bath salts to calm down your body and your mind. Stick to using calming scents like peppermint or lavender and pick a spa-themed playlist that will allow you to unwind. You will be extremely well-rested for the next day and ready to crush your finals!
