Oh, it is the most stressful time of the year! Finals week is approaching quickly, and soon Carrier and ECL will be overflowing with JMU students preparing for their final examinations. The line for Starbucks will seem to reach its way to The Quad, and frantic typing and page-flipping is all that can be heard. Stress and insomnia fills the air as we slowly inch to the sweet relief of Christmas Break.
Okay, I guess that is a bit dramatic. However, there is no doubt that college students tend to feel overwhelmed as the semester comes to a close.
It is easy to get caught up in “grind time”, which can lead to great achievements and productivity… but occasionally one can become lost in the grind. No matter how many tests you have to cram for or papers you need to crank out, your mental health and well-being are still top priorities.
Taking at least two hours of time to relax and forget about the stress of finals is highly important, and those couple of hours a day are not going to make or break your grade for the semester. Allowing yourself to have this break will also help you become more clear-headed to take on your next task.
This list may help you find some simple stress relievers for Finals Week 2019.
Have a nice meal!
While making ramen noodles and flipping through Quizlet flashcards might seem enticing, you might not be doing yourself any favors. Slide all your study materials to the side and allow yourself to enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you’re taking your time to prepare something, or just grabbing some grub from D-Hall, you should allow this time to be free from the stress of finals.
Get in a brief workout!
Exercise can be a girl’s best friend when it comes to stress relief. Let go of any frustration from finals by taking a quick trip over to UREC. No need to over-exhaust yourself; just release some endorphins, get a good sweat on, and then get back on task.
Take a nap!
Overworking yourself and pulling all-nighters will have a major effect on your ability to be productive or focus. If you’re unable to get 8hrs of sleep at night, don’t feel ashamed for having to catch some extra Z’s during the day. When you wake up, you will feel re-energized and can complete tasks much more efficiently. Just be sure to set an alarm!
Make time for what you like to do!
I am unsure about you guys, but studying is by far not my favorite activity. Treat yourself to a little you-time, and do something that makes you happy. Whether that be creating a mini-masterpiece, reading a good book, or jamming out; take something you love to do and turn it into a stress-reliever. Finals may be stressful, but we still deserve to enjoy things to lift our mood.
Overall, if we find a good balance between studying and stress relief, we will make it through another round of final exams and come out victorious! No matter what happens, you should be proud of making it through another semester at JMU and be ready to welcome the holiday break with open arms.
Best of luck with all your final exams!