By Audrey Smith, Jocelyn Bailey, Ava Bockbrader, Brielle DiGiacco, Nicole Giannetta, Natalie Held, Megan Houberg
Exercise
Physical exercise is a great way to give your mind a break, whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or simply doing a few yoga exercises, physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and promoting a sense of wellbeing. Taking a break to get your body moving helps to clear the mind, relieve tension and create a healthier mindset.
Study with a Friend
Friends make even the most arduous tasks like studying for a big final more enjoyable! Getting together at a cafe, the library, or your favorite spots on campus helps hold each of you accountable for studying and helps increase productivity overall. Plus, you already have a companion to grab a coffee, lunch, or even a sweet treat to celebrate and reward yourselves for all the hard work accomplished.
Change your Environment
You may have a favorite study spot you are planning to frequent this finals season; however, consider moving locations to break up those long hours of studying. Switching up the physical environment you study in can have a big impact on your mental wellness and clarity. By simply moving locations every few hours, you can boost neurological stimulation, support memory retention, and avoid burnout. Luckily, Ohio State’s campus and the surrounding area has endless study spots for students to discover. Ohio State has 10 libraries– some of which have shared study spaces, private study rooms by reservation, and cafès. As for off-campus study locations, the Columbus Metropolitan Library has 7 branches just within the 4-mile radius of campus. If you are looking for a classic cafè study session, popular coffee shops include Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, Parable Coffee, Tous Les Jours, and Kafe Kerouac.
Healthy Eating Habits
In the midst of studying for exams and completing final papers, it’s easy to forget the essentials such as…..FOOD! Forgetting to eat and studying on an empty stomach is more common than one might think. When you’re caught up in hours of studying and preparing, sometimes we can forget to take care of our bodies. Hunger increases fatigue and irritation which in the end can limit the amount of information your brain retains in a session of studying. Food is your body’s fuel. During stressful events such as finals week, food can provide the extra energy needed to cope with anxiety and lack of motivation. Before you’re about to dive into your exam prep, consider packing yourself snacks such as carrots and ranch, fruit, bagels or even stop by places such as Berry Cafe or Juice 2 for a smoothie. Remember your mind needs food just as much as your stomach.
Meditate
Staying grounded in the midst of final exam chaos is essential. Mindful breathing and meditation are great ways to relieve stress. You can meditate before, after, or during your study sessions. Meditation is an easy form of self care that can be completed while you work! It is known to not only relieve stress, but increase productivity. So next time you are preparing for exams, consider simple meditation!
Get Enough Sleep
It is extremely important that you are getting enough sleep, especially before and during final exams. It is recommended that you get at least seven hours of sleep every night to make sure you have enough energy to last throughout the long days of studying and completing assignments. Lack of sleep results in loss of focus which will make it harder for you to productively study. Getting a proper amount of sleep will start your day off on a positive note and may make it easier to start tackling your workload. Your mental health should be prioritized over your grades; getting a good night’s sleep can benefit both.
Take a Break While Studying
While it is oftentimes easy to get wrapped up in an assignment or a study session, it is important to take mindful breaks, especially when working for extended periods of time. Taking a 10-minute break can help you reset and recenter your focus, allowing for increased productivity and efficient progress. Utilizing the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method based on 25 minutes of work broken up by five 5-minute breaks, is also a popular way to ensure effective studying while taking rejuvenating breaks.
Finals week can be stressful, so it’s important to find ways to destress and take a break, both physically and mentally. Good luck to everyone—you got this!