As a recent college graduate and a soon-to-be graduate student, I have found myself in the fortunate, yet fleeting, situation of not having to study for finals. But after four intense years of pre-veterinary studies, I am no stranger to the cramming, cursing and sometimes crying that tends to accompany finals week.
As I scroll through Facebook I see the posts of frustration and procrastination of current undergrad students. Since my days are not currently filled with late night study sessions and copious amounts of coffee (oh, who am I kidding, my days are still filled with far too much coffee), I have had time to reflect on the things that helped me stay sane during my finals weeks.
Here are a few simple ways to be kind to yourself this finals season.
1. Sleep
I put this first on the list because it is the most important. Sleep somehow comes after studying, reading and practice quizzes on the list of priorities. But we all know there have been countless studies proving that 7-8 hours of sleep a night vastly improves cognitive function. So sleep! Your body and test scores will thank you for it.
2. Light a candle
Aromatherapy is real! While you're studying or maybe taking a break, light a yummy smelling candle. Certain scents like rosemary, sage and peppermint can even help promote concentration and memorization.
3. Study with friends
It doesn't matter if you're studying for the same class or not. Sometimes just having friends around can make the whole process more enjoyable and less stressful.
4. Take a long bath or shower
Although no dorm or apartment I've ever been in has provided a fancy tub, taking a long, hot bath or shower in any (clean) bathroom can be relaxing. A shower or bath can simply be a time that you're not studying or thinking about schoolwork. Throw in a delicious smelling bath bomb (hey, more aromatherapy!) or even just put on some relaxing music, and you can literally wash your worries away.
5. Make hot chocolate, coffee or tea
A hot cup of tea or coffee to go along with your late nights (but not too late, remember, 7-8 hours of sleep) can get you through just about anything. Even organic chemistry.
6. Have a cozy space to escape to
Leave the stress of studying in the living room or at the library. Hang some twinkly lights or throw some warm blankets on your bed and retreat to your cozy space when you're done studying for the night.
7. Take a walk
It doesn't have to be long (especially if you're in Minnesota and it's freezing outside). Sometimes getting out of the house for 20 minutes and taking a breath of fresh air can do a world of good.
8. Look good, feel good
As comfy as sweatpants, sweatshirts and fuzzy socks are (believe me, I know), you need to take care of yourself a little bit in order to not feel like a mess. Paint your nails, braid your hair, put on some mascara. Have a fun date out with friends just for a little while; then I promise you can put those fuzzy socks right back on.
9. Stay active
The perfect study break without actually feeling like you're procrastinating! Go on a 20-minute jog or look up a yoga session on YouTube and do it in your apartment. Don't drop your fitness routine just because it's finals week.
Please be kind to yourself during finals. Remember, they're just exams and it's just one week. Don't give one exam too much importance and let it affect your health. Light those candles and pour that coffee. You got this.
