Your GPA Isn't Everything: Take Time For Yourself During Finals Week
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Your GPA Isn't Everything: Take Time For Yourself During Finals Week

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

15
Your GPA Isn't Everything: Take Time For Yourself During Finals Week
Rita Maher

For some reason, it has become "trendy" for college students to have "mental breakdowns," to get little to no sleep day after day. This is especially true when the semester is coming to a close, finals are approaching, and GPAs aren't quite where we want them to be. People like to compare how many cups of coffee they've had or how many hours they didn't get to sleep.

Part of it is understandable. It's good to know that others are drowning in schoolwork right along with you. It makes me feel like I'm not actually a bad student; rather, school is just hard for everyone.

The mindset is not healthy.

Mental health encompasses more than just mental illnesses. It refers to mental wellbeing as well, and that's when this pre-finals time of a semester comes in.

It is horrible for your mental health not to sleep. It's even worse when you don't sleep for weeks at a time. It's important to know when school needs to take a seat and your mental wellbeing needs to take priority in your life, and college students tend to forget that at this time of the year.

Colleges tend to have "de-stressing" events during this time of year. Some events offer study breaks, with yummy snacks and a time to relax. The Psychology department at Saint Mary's gives students bubble wrap and brings in cats and dogs for students to play with to de-stress. There's plenty of opportunities for meditation or yoga.

It's up to us to take care of our mental wellbeing. I know it's hard when the semester is quickly slipping away. I know personally, I drink too much coffee, don't sleep and drown in school work, but that isn't something to brag about.

All college students need to take time for themselves every now and then, but especially now when assignments are getting thrown at us like baseballs at a Cubs game. We need to realize that mental health is just as important as physical health, and allowing so much stress into our lives is not healthy. We need to make changes in our routines, attend de-stressing events, and work to make sure we are properly taken care of instead of joking around about our unhealthy habits.

I challenge everyone reading this — myself included — to take a minute for yourself. Do ten minutes of yoga. Pet a dog. Go to bed half an hour earlier or wake up a little bit later. Substitute that cup of coffee for tea. Make one positive change that will help improve your mental wellbeing. Grades aren't everything — we just need to remind ourselves of that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

Trade School Graduates Make Lucrative Careers Without College Debt

1594
5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

The common belief that a college degree is a prerequisite for a high-paying job is no longer as accurate as it once was. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, many lucrative career opportunities do not require a traditional four-year degree. As an expert in career development and workforce trends.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Its the 50 year anniversary

2832
The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Since its release on March, 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of rock music. Combining thought-provoking lyrics, innovative production techniques, and a captivating album cover, it captured the imagination of millions of listeners and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we delve into the making, themes, and enduring influence of this groundbreaking album.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Dear Los Angeles...With Love,

After packing two oversized suitcases and two carryons with all the boho chic clothes I thought I needed to travel across the country for my dream internship, I quickly realized that although I may look like I belong out in the entertainment capital of the world there was a lot more to it than Free People dresses and fanny packs.

2453
Dear Los Angeles...With Love,
September: Los Angeles

Ever since I was younger I dreamed of moving out to California. There was something so amusing about being in the hub of it all that bursts with passion and artistry wherever you look. After a trip to LA when I was a sophomore in high school for dance, I fell even more in love with this utopia of a city and from that moment on, Los Angeles was that light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep Reading... Show less
Sports

The Madness of March Madness

Paying students is not the fundamental problem.

2793
DesktopImages

It is March and with it comes madness, and with that madness comes the exhausting debate on whether or not college athletes should get paid.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Top 10 SNL Skits That Made Me LMFAO

We all have those favorite movies or TV shows that make us laugh our a$$es off! SNL is the one that never fails to make me laugh until I can't breathe. So here are a couple of the skits that I can't seem to ever forget! Make sure when you're done reading this post to go look them up on youtube.

2483
The Top 10 SNL Skits That Made Me LMFAO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ORz4ZWCqQ

"The reason I love this specific one is because they can't control their laughter. Most of the time they have no trouble but, when you are recording this live you might have your slip ups".

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments