It's here... You wake up. Turn on the weather channel and see that this week's forecast calls for rain. The common citizen plans to wear a rain jacket and bring an umbrella to work. But the college student knows that it's not rain at all. The college student knows that this week's weather forecast calls for tears. Tears of those who are about to endure the thunderstorm of finals week.
Finals week. The week when you wonder if there is any possible way to receive extra credit. The week when you show up to class to find that you don't have a seat because everyone actually enrolled in the course shows up. The week when you know what has to be done but have no clue how to do it.
We often let this week take the best of us. Even if we pass all of our finals we end up physically exhausted, emotionally unstable and socially incapable. This isn't a list of tips on how to pass. Man, if someone has that list, can you please send it to me? No. This is a list that reminds you to value yourself and see the big picture.
8 important things to remember as finals week approaches:
1. Remember to be kind.
Often during finals week we are so stressed out with the current demands of our student life that we often get tunnel vision and forget that those around us are also living their lives. That man at the gas station who accidentally gave you the wrong change. Your actress friend that asks you to watch a film where they are only on the screen for maybe 60 seconds. Your parent who asks you what your schedule for the week is 95 times. All of these people deserve to be treated kindly. Whether they are a stranger who made an honest mistake, a friend wanting you to share in their amazing victory or your mom who wants to know about your life. Please, remember to be kind.
2. Remember to take naps and sleep.
Some of you may have no problem with this one. You might even be excited that some random writer is justifying your daily 4 hour afternoon nap. Let me just get this clear, sleep is not for the weak. Our bodies and brains truly need rest, especially during perilous times like finals week. You wouldn't expect your legs to sprint for 20 hours of the day. Please don't expect your brain to either.
3. Remember to go outside.
It is that beautiful time of the year where you feel obligated to go outside because the flowers are blooming and the sun is hot. Don't feel guilty. Go outside. Take your dog for a walk. Go to the park with your significant other. Study outside, if you feel so inclined to. Absorb some vitamin D and drink some frozen lemonade.
4. Remember why you're at school.
I truly hope that all of you are following your dream and pursuing a career that you love. If not, stop right now, evaluate your life and make some serious decisions. You will not get through college or your future career if you don't have a passion for what you're pursuing. Personally, I always remember that I am working hard to provide for my future family, dog and patients. Without having a goal in mind or a passion, finals week will destroy you.
5. Remember to listen.
Your friends around you are also going through finals week, working and struggling to bear the weight of the world. Not only are people dealing with exams, papers and projects but others (and most likely even yourself) are balancing home life, mental illness, finances and the basic needs of life. We should always make those who are important to us feel that importance. We will always have due dates, assignments and things to manage. Don't ignore those in your life for an entire week because when you return, things might look a lot different.
6. Remember to be you.
I had to ignore the nausea I felt as I typed that, but statements are cliche for a reason. During finals week, it is so easy to forget who you are. Professors are demanding an extreme amount of concentration and discipline and we might try to morph ourselves into something we are not to accomplish the tasks. Don't have unrealistic expectations of who you should or shouldn't be. Do your best and be you and that will always be enough.
7. Remember to breathe and feel.
Between the panic attacks, cry sessions and mental breakdowns your brain certainly requires oxygen. There are so many ways to relax but breathing is undoubtedly the easiest. While we're on the topic, lets get past social stigmas. You are not weak if you cry. Girls AND boys are allowed to cry. Your body is going to experience so many thoughts and emotions this week, don't numb yourself until its over. Feel what you're feeling. Breathe in and breathe out.
8. Remember you're valued and beautiful.
So many college students think about committing suicide or actually perform the act during finals week. There is so much more to life then exams and papers. There ARE people out there who care for you. There ARE people out there who can help.
"We were all born so beautiful. The greatest tragedy is being convinced we are not."
-Rupi Kaur
Goodluck on your finals and remember calories don't count during finals week!
