To say the least, it’s been a weird semester. However, it’s quickly coming to an end, and summer is just around the corner. Before we can indulge in our summer breaks, we still have to go through finals – which are as stressful at home as they are on campus. Check out these helpful tips you can pick up to destress during your first ever finals season at home.
1. Get organized.
Under the constraints of quarantine, time is truly a concept. While your sleep schedule may not be in disarray, your sense of how much time you need to devote to your classes, assignments, and general tasks may be warped because of the fact that you’re at home. Staying organized is more vital than ever now to keep on track through finals. With apps like My Study Life and Todoist, an organized life is simply a tap away.
2. Clear your mind.
Approaching your finals with a clear mind will help you stay focused during the next week or so but given the plethora of news and social media content that we have every day, this is easier said than done. Disconnect for a bit by stepping out of the house to get some exercise. If you’re more of a homebody, there are multiple workout videos on YouTube (e.g. Chloe Ting‘s viral workout videos). For a quick go-to, you can always meditate to ground yourself in the present and get your work done.
3. Listen to the right music.
Music is clearly an important aspect of human existence, so there’s something inherently therapeutic in some types of music. Before you crackdown on prepping for finals, go through your collection and make a playlist of calming songs/albums to play as you study and prep. In addition to similar, premade playlists that you can find on Spotify and Apple Music, there are playlists on YouTube that feature lo-fi beats, calming instrumentals, and even slowed down versions of songs with reverb added (a personal favorite). Tune in to the music and tune the world out.
4. Indulge yourself (within reason).
Whether you’re prepping for one final or five, the stress can get to be too much. That’s why you owe it to yourself to let go a little here and there. If you want to go the more structured route, you can schedule fun breaks in your study schedule and have a list of activities to indulge in (cooking? social media? watch a movie? the opportunities are endless). However, sometimes it’s better to just let the fun come randomly and seize the opportunities as they come – just don’t get too carried away and forget about studying. Before you even talk yourself out of taking any breaks, remind yourself – you deserve it!
5. Stay positive.
The best way to manage any stressful situation (finals season, an upcoming interview, or even a pandemic) is to stay positive and surround yourself with positivity. Take stock of the activities, people, shows, songs, etc. that make you happy and include them in your finals prep. Reminding yourself to be positive may not immediately alleviate your stress, but it’s a good way to reorient your mindset for the better. In the toughest times, remember – this too shall pass and you will be as amazing as ever (if not even more).
