Before you start this article, it may be cathartic to let out a bit of a yell or groan. Release the anger and stress built up from your finals so far.
As the semester winds down, the stress of looming our finals picks up. We study. We write. We present. We procrastinate. Some of us try to work on stress management while others wait until finals are over to take that step. One thing is clear during this stressful time of the semester: we need to take breaks, or we risk frying our brains.
Try to take breaks and reward yourself for each thing you complete. During finals week, when I finish a paper I reward myself with a piece of fudge. Different kinds of rewards work for different people. Maybe you get inspired to keep going by watching animal videos, or maybe you reward yourself by watching an episode of Bob's Burgers.
Sometimes when I feel like my brain cannot handle anymore studying, I stare pictures of tiny fuzzy animals. I am a particular fan of hedgehog pictures when the finals have me down. These images help me rebuild my energy so that I can manage to power through a few more hours of work before I need another picture pick me up.
Sometimes I just need a laugh and some pizza. So, I take a break for food and put on a comedy. I use this time to remind myself that I cannot overwork myself. If you do, you will have no energy to actually take your exams or to enjoy the blissful feeling after completion. During those rejuvination, relaxation, and reflection moments, I am a fan of watching The Flash or Supergirl. Sometimes I will also watch cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. I call it my mind numbing and stomach filling time.
Remember that our blood needs to circulate and when we sit for too long we can get numb and sore. Try to get up and move during some of your breaks. Go for a walk with a friend to grab a bite to eat or walk your dog. Even if you just walk to the library to go print something, try to move and stretch your body. Do not let your health go to the wayside for a good grade.
Take deep breaths. Lots and lots of deep breaths. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Close your laptop and books when needed to give your eyes a rest. Try to keep calm. Trust that you have done your best and that your best is all you can do. My grandfather always tells me "Nothing beats a failure but a try." This phrase has gotten me through some of the most stressful moments of my academic career, because I know that so long as I give my all I can never truly fail.
My current mantra for finals week comes from my Human Development professor, Dr. Schwarzmueller: "My identity is not my GPA." Remember this and repeat as needed.
