Managing stress during finals
Finals season can be a busy mix of exams, projects and deadlines—and it’s also a chance to practice skills that support you well beyond this week. A few simple strategies can help you stay focused, take care of yourself and keep things in perspective.
Pay attention to your thoughts
The way you think about schoolwork matters. Harsh or all‑or‑nothing thoughts can add pressure without adding any benefit. Shifting toward more neutral, realistic self‑talk can lower stress and help you keep going.
Try this:
- Instead of “I should be studying right now,” say “Studying feels hard right now. I’ll focus for one hour, then take a short break.”
- Instead of “I’m going to fail,” say “I’m noticing I’m anxious. I’ll handle whatever happens.”
This isn’t about forcing positivity. It’s about being kinder to yourself while you do what you can.
Set smart, supportive boundaries
Boundaries can help protect your time, energy and well‑being—especially during finals.
Ideas to try:
- Use your to‑do list as a tool, not a pressure source. Let it hold the information for you and help you prioritize, rather than reminding you of everything at once.
- Work in chunks. You don’t have to finish something in one sitting. Stepping away can actually improve focus and memory.
- Decide when to stop. Set a reasonable time limit for studying or working on a project, then move on.
- Remember: grades are not tied to your worth. Your value isn’t defined by test scores. You’re still capable, thoughtful and deserving no matter how finals go.
- Zoom out and remember that finals stress is temporary. Try picturing how this moment might feel a week, a month or a year from now.
If you want extra support, Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers drop‑in sessions, workshops and other resources during finals. Additionally, CAPS has partnered with BetterMynd to offer free, flexible and confidential online counseling for CU Boulder students.
Peer wellness coaches can also help with boundaries, study habits and stress management.
Keep self‑care simple
During busy weeks, self‑care doesn’t need to be elaborate. Small, practical steps count and often work better.
Here are some examples of simplified self-care:
Hygiene
- Do a shortened routine (face wash + teeth = enough).
- Use face wipes, dry shampoo or a washcloth when energy is low.
Laundry
- Skip folding and live out of a basket temporarily.
- Run laundry while you study.
Dishes and food
- Plan simpler meals or one‑pot options.
- Try grocery pickup, delivery or cooking with friends.
Need a reset during finals? You can grab free wellness supplies or take a quiet break at the Figueroa Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or Village Center Wellness Suite.