Although it feels like just yesterday that the Spring Semester started, the end is near. With finals coming up soon, stress is at an all-time high. I hope that these five things will give you a break from studying and alleviate some of the stress we all experience this time of year.
- Watch Your Favorite TV Show
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When faced with the unknown and confusion of papers and exams, turning to comfort and familiarity is the way to go. When I’m feeling stressed out, I like to re-watch an episode or two of my favorite comfort shows, usually on my lunch break. I like to stick to shows with 30-minute episodes and shows that I’ve already seen, so I don’t feel the need to abandon studying completely to find out what happens next. If you’re looking for shows like that, I highly recommend Ted Lasso on Apple TV and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Hulu.
- Take a Walk
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When you think about how much time you spend studying, you realize how little time you spend moving your body. As someone who doesn’t love exercising, quarantine has made me discover how useful walks are. It’s a good way to get active without feeling like your heart is going to pound out of your chest. It’s the perfect time to take a mental break and listen to your favorite playlist or podcast.
- Talk to a Friend or Family Member
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Sometimes when I’m focusing really hard on getting something done, I tend to tune out everyone and everything. When I’m stuck on something or I feel like I’ve worked for too long without talking to someone, I like to talk to my friends or family members just to check in or complain about how much studying I have to do. This sometimes backfires, especially if I haven’t caught up with family in a while, but it’s the perfect distraction from the work I have to do. When things feel especially frustrating, it’s always comforting to talk to someone you love and care about.
- Get Something to Eat
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I have found that my productivity when studying can be connected to how much I’ve eaten. Hunger is a very common distraction and being well-fueled is an important step in making sure you can remember everything you’ve studied. Whether it’s an apple or a bag of chips, getting some food in you is essential for feeling good. Just remember to never feel guilty about what you eat, especially during finals.
- Get Some Sleep
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This one only applies to those who study into the early hours of the morning. (Taking a nap as a way to relieve stress when you’re studying will only cause more stress. Trust me.) As someone who prioritizes sleep over studying, I can honestly say that I feel much better the next day having had a good sleep and a solid plan for the day. Chances are you won’t memorize the formula or finish the paragraph you’ve been working on for the last hour at 3 AM, so give yourself the gift of sleep. Your body and brain will thank you.
I hope these tips make your final week a little less stressful. Good luck to everyone with finals coming up and have a good summer!