By: Chloe Wilhelm
Finals week is a stressful time for many students. From writing essays to studying for multiple tests, students often have a lot to do in a small amount of time.
Because finals can be so overwhelming, it is important to focus on self-care.
Cheri Campbell, a licensed mental health counselor at PLU’s Counseling Center, said that many students forgo self-care in favor of studying for exams.
“It’s very important for students to focus on basic self-care strategies,” she said.
Campbell suggested a variety of self-care strategies and studying tips so students can be prepared for finals.
Focus on Nutrition
Before and during finals week, many students forget the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
Campbell said that since students spend so much time studying, eating can become an afterthought – sometimes, students have breakfast and won’t eat again until 5 p.m.
To avoid this problem, Campbell recommended that students make an effort to eat throughout the day, even with small snacks.
“It’s also important to make sure you’re eating enough protein throughout the day,” she said.
Get enough sleep
During finals week, it may seem tempting to stay up late to get in a few extra hours of studying. However, this can do more harm than good.
Campbell explained that when students don’t get enough sleep, they can have difficulties staying productive and can end up being more stressed.
“Often, students stay up late to study and aren’t getting enough sleep,” she said. “We can’t manage our emotions if we aren’t getting our needs met.”
Campbell recommended that students get at least six hours of sleep every night.
Keep moving
While students may have difficulty finding time to exercise during finals week, fitting in some type of activity into your schedule can be very beneficial.
Even if you don’t have time to go to the gym, doing basic exercise (like taking a short walk) can help ease your stress.
Campbell suggested trying to add these types of short activities into your schedule throughout the week.
“Getting your body moving will help your mind be more alert,” she said.
Find ways to relax
Since finals are stressful, it is important to find ways to relax throughout the week.
Campbell said that finding ways to relax – whether is be taking a hot shower, going for a walk, or petting your dog – can help you be in the moment and lower your stress.
“These are basic things students put aside because they need to study,” she said.
There will be campus events before and during finals that can help with this effort. For example, therapy dogs will be visiting campus on Dec. 6 in Red Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smart studying
To make the most of your studying, it is important to focus on ways to increase your productiveness and lower your stress.
Campbell said one way to maximize your productiveness is to take short breaks in between studying.
She also recommended that students study in different environments throughout the week – like deciding to study in the library after studying in your dorm room all day.
Reach out for help
If you feel overwhelmed before or duringfinals week, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Campbell said that there are a variety of resources on campus that can help you reduce your stress and prepare for finals.
Students can always visit the Counseling Center, or if they are looking for academic help, can get one-on-one assistance with a tutor from Academic Assistance.
Campbell said that overall, it is important that students focus on their own study skills and self-care strategies during finals.
“It gives you more energy to do the things you want to do,” she said.
