By: Cruz Ferreira, Web Editor
Finals are coming up, and there’s no time to waste. You’ve been finishing homework, studying for more than two upcoming tests at once, and your sleep schedule has been less than ideal. When does this end? Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?
Technically, when finals end, on May 21. While that is just a couple weeks away (yay!), burnout is already hitting many of us as we struggle to keep up with our classes. To keep ourselves from hitting that point, we need to give ourselves the best chance for success… and here’s how.
While working/studying, it is scientifically proven that taking breaks boosts productivity and helps you stay focused longer. Our PFC (Pre-frontal Cortex) is responsible for all of our “think work.” Y’know, logical reasoning, concentration, and willpower… Overworking it can lead to inefficient working and eventually burnout.
Below is a list of strategies to help our PFC (and you) rest, giving it a chance to recharge and attack your overwhelming workload with as much strength as you can!
1. Exercise
Exercise is actually a great mood improver, and a great way to naturally relieve stress. It releases serotonin (feel-good chemicals) and reduces anxiety– also improves cognitive function.
2. Take a Walk
Walks can be a quick way to escape and let your mind settle after a long day. They help you let go of some of the stress and bring new environments. It has the benefits of exercise and often helps bring in fresher, new thoughts.
3. Meditation
Meditation has quite a few benefits and comes in many forms. Mainly, it reduces stress short-term and can be long term if continually practiced. You can meditate by repeating a positive mantra, or by practicing mindfulness by staying in the moment. Try focusing on one of your five senses.
4. Connect with Others
Part of resting your PFC means less thinking- so try calling up a friend and get some laughs in. Support can also be confiding in them some of your struggles, having that emotional support and friendship can help with the stress of not just finals, but also life.5. Take a Break from Tech
As much as technology is integrated into our day to day, it benefits you to take a rest from it. No, scrolling through TikTok doesn’t count as a break– feelings of anxiety and stress can increase by scrolling.
6. Sleep
An obvious, but truthful fact. You don’t function nearly as well with anything under ~7-8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation amplifies stress. But how do you solve this when you’re too stressed to even go to bed? Well, consider a new bedtime routine; caffeine-free herbal tea or a hot bath are both good options. Planning out a bit of what you have to do the next day can alleviate some of the stress later.
7. Hobbies
Reconnecting with what you actually enjoy doing can easily help lift your spirits. Whether it be drawing, dancing, sports, reading, music, or knitting, staying in touch with your passions can ground you and help you feel more capable of taking on your workload.
8. Set Realistic Goals
Studying multiple subjects in a night is already daunting, and adding finals into the mix is a big blow to motivation to get it done. Try sorting a priority list for what you need to study and for what. Setting smaller goals are easier to achieve and reaching them sets off small hits of dopamine that improve your mood.
9. Listen to Music
Put on some of your favorite songs! Music can help ease stress and anxiety– and the best part? You can listen to music anywhere doing most things- chores, exercise, hobbies! Listening to classical music also works for a lot of people, too.
There are many strategies to help keep you up and running for these last couple weeks of school, these eight not being the only ones. Having breaks is not only good, but crucial in order to study and complete work efficiently. Take care of yourselves mariners.
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