By Samantha Chase | Photo from Creative Commons
Finals season always brings a lot of stress, and this year that’s probably even more true. While getting your schoolwork done is important, however, so is maintaining your mental health. Here are a few easy ways to unwind during finals week.
Take a Walk
Sometimes the easiest way to get your mind off studying is to take a walk. Use the hour you would usually spend scrolling on your phone in the morning or after lunch to spend some time outside. Put some music on, start a podcast, or just enjoy the sights around you. Don’t forget to wear your mask!
Reward Yourself!
Studying and end-of-semester essays are a chore, so find a way to stay motivated to finish your tasks by rewarding yourself. It could be eating a gummy bear at the end of each chapter of your textbook, buying yourself a Starbucks on exam days, or starting a new show when your finals are over. However you want to stay motivated, make it something you can look forward to!
Listen to a Podcast
Need a break from your study playlist? Podcasts are a great option for entertaining background noise. Put one on while doing chores, cooking dinner, or taking a walk to learn about something other than your classes for once. There is a podcast out there for everyone, and once you find the ones you love, you’ll never be able to stop listening.
Try out a New Recipe
Quarantine had everyone trying out new recipes (sourdough, anyone?), but with the crazy semester a lot of us haven’t made cooking a priority. Take some time during finals week to explore new and old recipes – it will be a productive break from studying and keep your brain fueled for the tough week.
Schedule a Friends’ Night
Studying is important, but so is taking a break. Choose a night with your friends to have a virtual watchy party, play a game (Jackbox, Among Us, Psych, etc.), or just vent about everything going on. It’ll be a good way to take your mind off things, and a reward for a productive day of studying.
Relax with a Coloring Book
Coloring books are a tried-and-true way to relax and let your mind wander for a little while. And they have the added bonus of being pretty satisfying to finish! Grab a couple friends and a calming soundtrack and take a few minutes – or a few hours – to stop thinking about studying and let your stress go. It’s also a great way to relax before bedtime without hurting your eyes with a screen.