If you are a student, you know what this time of year means. Finals and project deadlines start to creep in, and the constant studying and late-night cramming increase. While completing those last assignments and ensuring a good score on exams is important, it isn’t worth getting overwhelmed, anxious or mentally and physically drained. To keep up with these last weeks of the winter quarter, it is vital for students to also check in with themselves.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help out and support students’ well-being during these highly stressful times. First, it is important to recognize one’s own state. “How have I felt lately?” “Have I been keeping my essentials like eating and sleeping consistent?” “Do I feel tired all the time?” “Brain-fog? Loss of appetite? Anxious?” Understanding where you are both physically and mentally is crucial to finding methods that help you personally. Everyone will be in different states of well-being and hence, have different needs and methods to help them out.
Keep sleeping and eating consistently
The body and mind both need to be in good condition to function properly. While skipping lunch may seem ideal for saving time, it isn’t for the body. Keep in mind that the brain also needs nutrients to stay cognitively functional. Sleeping is also just as important. Memory consolidation requires rest, which mostly takes place during sleep. Constantly lacking sleep or pulling all-nighters may be tempting, but students could lose between 20 – 40% of what they studied if they don’t allow their brains to process it. It is also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. There are many water stations across campus to ensure students have access to clean drinking water.
Organize
Sometimes it’s not the amount of studying or work students need to do, but the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. Organizing large amounts of information can help students better identify what has a higher priority. Some people find writing a large list of To-Dos, then rewriting them in a list of highest to lowest priority, helpful. Others need a schedule like Google Calendar to lay out the amount of time they will spend on each task. This also helps students realize how much time they have left for other activities or if they need to start working on something right away. You can also clear your mind by cleaning or organizing a space for studying. This could be a bedroom, living room or any other cozy space! Having a clutter-free place can help guide your focus.
Find a motivator
Romanticizing studying can be a great way to motivate yourself to make a rather stressful event a little more enjoyable. Some people find that having a cute place to study, like a coffee shop, helps them lock in. Others find quiet or studious places like the Peter Shields Library helpful to stay focused. Studying with friends allows you to keep each other accountable or simply to find a way to stay in touch during finals. Buying a sweet treat or drink can aid in keeping a positive attitude during intense cramming. A lesser-used method proven successful to some includes practicing gratitude for such stressful times. Some students like to remember how privileged they feel to be able to study at a top public university. Others are thankful for the fact that cramming is their biggest problem in life at the moment, and they are well enough to be in such a position.
Take a break
Whether students find the finals season stressful or exciting, constantly working and cramming is still draining to the mind and body. Taking breaks from the constant stress is healing to the self in many ways. Apart from sleep, breaks that allow you to take a moment help keep you consistent and stable. Even small breaks are rewarding in some form. 10-minute walks can help your eyes rest from constant screen time or white paper contrast. Eating a meal without working or consuming media allows you to really enjoy that meal or take your mind off the workload. Having a quick conversation with friends about something not related to school can keep your social life afloat. Taking time for yourself is also a great way to have a break, listen to music while crafting something or take a quick walk around the farmers’ market, allowing yourself to take moments for yourself.
It’s easy to get lost in the mountains of work left to do before the end of the quarter, and many students struggle to keep a tab on their own well-being. Reach out to friends and keep each other in check. Be gracious with yourself and keep in mind that you aren’t alone. There are also many campus resources to help students get through the finals season, from tutoring to mental health resources. Good luck with your studies, and take care!