The end of April is finally here. You've reached the finish line of the semester, your papers are handed in, and you only have one more week to go before summer break finally arrives. Unfortunately though, the last week is the dreaded finals week.
When you to study for six finals happening in the span of five days, time spent relaxing becomes nonexistent and the stress begins to get to you. There will be some moments during this week when you will feel yourself reaching your breaking point. The panic sets in and you can actually feel yourself about to have a minor mental/physical/emotional breakdown. When you reach this point, the best thing to do is stop and try to do something to get your mind off of your to-do list.
That said, here is a list of ten things to do during finals week other than have a stress-induced, sleep-deprived break down:
1. Go for a walk
The weather is finally warming up, so take a break from the harsh lighting of the library and go enjoy nature for a bit. I know everyone is probably tired of hearing that exercise helps to reduce stress, but it is true. Go for a brief walk, breathe in some fresh air, stretch your legs and clear your mind.
2. Adult coloring books
Revert back to a child-like state and fall into the craze of adult coloring books. Break out the colored pencils and just have some nice relaxing fun for a bit.
3. Take a nap
When you have pulled all-nighters for days taking even a brief nap will help to give you back some of your lost energy. Sleep is necessary for your brain to function fully and if you neglect your body's need for it, your memory will likely suffer. So set an alarm and curl up somewhere for at least half an hour. Your body and mind will thank you.
4. Jam out to some music
Get your blood pumping by pulling a movie montage moment and dance around to some music. Or just lay down with your headphones in to clear your mind. Either way, listening to music is always a nice way to unwind.
5. Eat some comfort food
Eating your feelings may not be the healthiest route, but after the stress that you've been through you deserve to treat yourself a little. If it's warm get some ice cream or water ice with friends and just enjoy the deliciousness.
6. Watch some Netflix
There's really nothing to say other than it always comes back to Netflix.
7. Yoga
Yoga helps to get your blood flowing, stretches you out, and reduces stress. It incorporates meditation, deep breathing, and exercising all in one activity.
8. Read a book
More reading may sound like a joke when you've done nothing but re-read your textbook and notes for days on end, but reading something that you're actually interested in will help to calm you down without stopping your brain from working. For some the idea of reading for fun is a bit cringe-worthy, but for some people it is a very valid way of relaxing.
9. Hang out with friends
After too long, isolating yourself can become extremely problematic. Find other people and just go be social for a bit. Go to dinner, play a game, go shopping, really just do anything that involves being around other people. Don't let yourself become a hermit just because you need to study.
10. Cry
Yes, I said it. Stigma aside, crying really helps to get all of your internalized anger and stress and worry out. No good comes from bottling up your emotions so just letting them out does wonders to calm you down. So go ahead and cry. There's no shame in it.
Just remember, this week is just one week out of many more, less stressful ones to come. When you survive finals week you are rewarded with the fact that it is May and you have a whole summer of no classes, sunshine, and good times ahead of you.
