The end of the academic year can be challenging for many students, but there are many tools and resources available to help support you. Here are some tips for navigating finals by replenishing your mind, body and soul.
Sleep
Never underestimate the power of sleep for your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Try and maintain a healthy sleep schedule during finals which means seven to eight hours of sleep a night to ensure your body and brain can function properly. Caffeine cannot reverse the effects of sleep deprivation, so sleep cannot be replaced with energy drinks. If you’re not feeling rested due to lack of sleep, maybe try a power nap. Do you know the Health & Wellness Center and the Rec Center have nap pods if you need a quick break (as well as sleep masks and earplugs at Health & Wellness)? Studies show a 20 minute nap can help you feel more rested without affecting nighttime sleep routines.
Eat and drink…water
Fueling your body properly during finals goes a long way towards helping your mental sharpness during exams. Don’t deny your body the proper nutrition it needs during this brief but critical period. Eating a primarily high sugar and high caffeine diet can lead to crashes later so eat a variety of foods to help sustain your energy and focus. Dining centers, retail markets, cafes and grab-n-gos across campus are open to help you stay nourished throughout finals. If you are experiencing food insecurity, the Basic Needs Center and Buff Pantry are here to support you.
Don’t forget to drink water for optimal cognitive performance. Even at sea level hydration is vitally important, and you’re taking your finals at 5,000+ feet! Bring a water bottle with you during this period of studying and test taking and try to drink two to three liters of water per day.
An alternative to drinking your water is to eat it! Fruits and vegetables with high water content can help with hydration and also serve as healthy snacks. These include melon (including watermelon cantaloupe and honeydew), pineapple, strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, cucumbers, broccoli, celery and bell peppers.
Keep moving
While it may feel like you have time for nothing but studying, exercise can be beneficial to your stress levels, health and test performance. Find the thing that works best for you whether it be a walk, run, fitness class or even just stretching in your room. Exercise allows you to focus on breathing which in turn relaxes your muscles and helps your body feel more at ease. The Rec Center will be offering Free Finals Week events and activities starting Friday, May 5 if you’re looking for a place to go for a study break. They’ll also have conference rooms available for studying.
Treat yo’ self
As Donna and Tom from Parks and Rec would say “Treat yo’ self!” While you won’t have time to jet off to California as they did, you can take a few minutes each day or a longer period at the beginning to do something that makes you feel good and prepares you for the challenge ahead. Get a massage or acupuncture from the Physical Therapy and Integrative Care team on campus so you’re less stiff when sitting for all the exams you’ll be taking. Take advantage of the myriad of free offers around campus to feed your belly and soul during this period of stress. The list is long but includes movie screenings, Springfest Carnival, succulent workshops, bowling and billiards, and lots of food - all free of charge. Whatever it is that will put you in a good mood to move forward with focus and intention, do it!
This will all be over soon
When your emotions run high and the stress feels like it's peaking, try and remind yourself that this is temporary. Your mental health and well-being take priority over everything else, so ask a friend or family member for help if you’re struggling, reach out to others if you see them struggling and remember there are resources available to support you. Besides the on-campus resources listed below, there are many mindfulness and meditation apps available that are specifically geared towards college students experiencing times of high stress and anxiety. Check out one of the following to help manage your mental health through finals week.