Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

The Importance of Mindfulness During Finals

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Kristopher Ruiz Student Contributor, Stony Brook University
Shannon Blackmer Student Contributor, Stony Brook University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Stony Brook chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Now that finals are upon us, now more than ever, it is important for us to take care of ourselves in every way possible. One of the most important ways of taking care of yourself is simply being mindful.

At times we can get extremely busy. Right now the biggest problem is studying for the last few weeks of school. But some of us are going through rough patches as well, often times an unexpected event such as family issues, break up, or difficult circumstances. I just want you to know that we are rooting for you and you can make it through this!

It is vital to take the first and most important step, take a nice deep breath. The longest one you’ve taken all day. Really try to drag it out, pushing out your belly as far as it can go when you breathe in and letting it go slowly and in a controlled manner as you let it all out. This single action is an ode to your wellbeing. It is a simple moment that you take for yourself and that, in trying times like this, is invaluable.

Perhaps you take a small break and treat yourself to a wholesome snack. Maybe you stand up and do a small bit of stretching. Maybe you just close your eyes and continue to do some deep breathing. You can return to the intense work that you’re trying to grind out in a few minutes. But right now, the next few minutes are for you and you alone.

Hopefully after doing something for yourself, even if it is just for five minutes, you feel a little energized, confident, or determined. If you feel the same, that’s okay too. But you took time out to take care of yourself and that is worth millions.

Best of luck to everyone! Remember: you are all amazing! 

Her Campus Stony Brook Founder and Campus Correspondent

Stony Brook University Senior

Minnesotan turned New Yorker

English Major, Journalism Minor