4 Ways to Destress During Finals
By Gabby Chavez
Returning to campus following Thanksgiving break is always a tough time for students. Knowing the semester is coming to an end brings many emotions, from excitement to stress. It can be hard to balance school, extracurriculars, and a social life, so here are some tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.
Get your body moving
After spending hours sitting in a chair studying, it’s important to give your body a break by doing some exercise. Whether it be going to the gym, attending a workout class, or even just going for a walk, your brain needs a distraction from all the material it has been consuming. From December 6 to 17, Lerner Health and Wellness Center has free workout classes for anyone to attend. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, taking a walk outside listening to music or a podcast is also a great way to relax. Some of my favorite areas to walk around are the monuments and Embassy Row.
Do something that makes you happy
While your mind may solely be focused on getting good grades for the next few weeks, make sure to also block time to do things you love. Even if it’s just blocking time to watch your favorite tv show or scrolling on Tik Tok, you deserve to give yourself a break, within reason. Some of my personal favorite tv shows to watch during this time are Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls. Although sometimes it may seem like there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done, you don’t need to be studying 24/7.
Lean on your support system
Don’t forget to reach out to friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whenever I’m feeling stressed, I always call my dad because he gives great advice to calm me down. Getting lunch or dinner with friends can also help take your mind off finals for an hour or so. If you’re really struggling to understand a certain concept, reach out to your professor or TA for help. It will save you so much time and energy by asking your professor for guidance, instead of trying to figure it out on your own.
Be kind to yourself
Most importantly, taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, should be the number one priority. Try to get a good amount of sleep and remember to fuel yourself with food. I’ve never been one to pull all-nighters because being tired makes it harder to focus. While getting an A may seem like the end all be all, you shouldn’t push yourself too hard. At the end of the day, what you have learned in your classes is so much more valuable than the grade you received.