Finals are a stressful time for everyone, and the week seems like it just drags on and on. It's easy to feel like you've actually learned nothing over the past four months, and feel the need to cram for the entire week. It's time spent learning a ton of material in a short amount of time. It can get overwhelming pretty quickly, especially when you have more than one final a day, or a final every single day this week. It can be easy to get caught up in school and studying, but you have to take time to relax and keep yourself from getting too stressed out. Here are four ways to take a break from the stress of finals week.
1. Exercise and make sure you're eating proper meals.
What's a better time to start getting in shape for summer than finals week? Exercising is the perfect way to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed during finals. Exercising is a great way to keep yourself calm and relaxed, and it also clears your mind from everything that goes along with finals week. Go for a run, try a new workout class, or take a ten minute walk around campus. It can also help balance out all of the stress eating that we tend to do. Speaking of food, eating healthy is also vital to feeling great during finals week because junk food will just make you feel tired and sluggish, only adding to your stress. Try to eat healthy snacks and meals, if at all possible.
2. Take study breaks.
It can be easy to study for hours and hours on end, but that's definitely not an effective way to learn material for each test. It clutters your mind and it can be hard to remember any of the information that you've been learning. Try studying in 20-30 minute increments, then take a break and watch some Netflix. Giving your mind a break will help you retain information and help you do better on your tests. Set a timer and try to keep yourself on an organized schedule. Make sure you actually follow that schedule because we all know how easy it is to turn your study break into a Netflix binger.
3. Read a book and relax.
This can also be another way to procrastinate if not done right, but can help you relax and unwind after a long study session. This doesn't mean pick up a textbook to read, but find a book that you'll actually enjoy and want to spend time reading. This is another great way to relax, perhaps better than watching TV or getting on the Internet because it doesn't require staring at a screen.
4. Spend time outdoors.
We all know how important it is to spend time outside. The fresh air and sunshine are much more favorable than locking yourself inside the Bizz for hours. Finals week is a great excuse to take your books outside and enjoy the fresh air, while studying for all of your tests.
