Finals week is inevitably one of the most stressful weeks of the year for college students. On top of the actual exams, we have to deal with pulling all-nighters to squeeze in an adequate amount of studying. We have to finish up term papers and projects and get them in on time. We have to keep up with our lives outside of school; working, cleaning, eating, sleeping. You know, basic survival. When we’re under this amount of pressure, it can be hard to stay happy. With these five tips, your happiness may come a little easier!
1. Let it go
Aside from being the title of a disgustingly popular Disney song, this simple phrase is a wonderful bit of advice. It is so easy to get caught up in drama and hold grudges over stupid things. A big key to happiness is just letting all of that go. It’s much easier said than done, but it can do wonders for your mood. It’s so important to just let things go and focus on the more important things in life.
2. Pay attention
Focus on your surroundings. Smell your coffee before you take that first sip. Feel the crunchy snow beneath your feet as you trudge up to the library. Focus on how it feels when your pen touches paper. Listen to the sounds around you; the silence, the stressed breathing of other students pulling all-nighters. Paying attention to all of your senses will make you appreciate the little things in life. Doing so can help you calm down and stop stressing.
3. Make time for you
It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s happiness. I, by nature, am a caregiver. I love to attend to other people’s needs and feelings. However, if you’re like me, you probably spend too much time doing so. When you put all your effort into taking care of other people, it can be difficult to make time for yourself. It’s so important to attend to your own needs. Spend time on you. Take yourself shopping. Take yourself out for coffee. Take a walk. Do things for you and only for you. Be selfish once in a while. It will be good for you, I promise! Not to mention it is so important to take a break from studying and relax for a while!
4. Set goals
I cannot stress how important it is to set goals for yourself. No, I’m not talking about a solid five year plan. I’m talking about your everyday to-do list. What is more satisfying than crossing a task off your to-do list? If you accomplish something that wasn’t on your list, add it to the list just so you can cross it off. It’s worth it, I promise. Make a list of everything you need accomplish each day; everything from studying, revising papers, going to class, eating lunch, everything! To-do lists are a great way to stay motivated and feel accomplished at the end of every day.
5. Smile
Smiling is an obvious key to happiness. If you’re having a crappy day, smiling can change that drastically. If you pretend that you’re having a great day, you will probably forget that it’s fake and have an actual great day. I’m not saying to bury your feelings and never deal with them. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, smiling can help you forget about the stress and enjoy your day.
There you have it, folks! A few tips to stay positive and be successful during finals week. Good luck, college students!
Have any of your own tips? Comment below!
