Managing stress during finals
Finals season can be a busy mix of exams, projects and deadlines鈥攁nd it鈥檚 also a chance to practice skills that support you well beyond this week. A few simple strategies can help you stay focused, take care of yourself and keep things in perspective.
听听Pay attention to your thoughts听听
The way you think about schoolwork matters. Harsh or all鈥憃r鈥憂othing thoughts can add pressure without adding any benefit. Shifting toward more neutral, realistic self鈥憈alk can lower stress and help you keep going.听
Try this:听
- Instead of 鈥淚 should be studying right now,鈥 say 鈥淪tudying feels hard right now. I鈥檒l focus for one hour, then take a short break.鈥听
- Instead of 鈥淚鈥檓 going to fail,鈥 say 鈥淚鈥檓 noticing I鈥檓 anxious. I鈥檒l handle whatever happens.鈥听
This isn鈥檛 about forcing positivity. It鈥檚 about being kinder to yourself while you do what you can.听
听听Set smart, supportive boundaries听
Boundaries can help protect your time, energy and well鈥慴eing鈥攅specially during finals.听
Ideas to try:听
- Use your to鈥慸o list as a tool, not a pressure source. Let it hold the information for you and help you prioritize, rather than reminding you of everything at once.听
- Work in chunks. You don鈥檛 have to finish something in one sitting. Stepping away can actually improve focus and memory.听
- Decide when to stop. Set a reasonable time limit for studying or working on a project, then move on.听
- Remember: grades are not tied to your worth. Your value isn鈥檛 defined by test scores. You鈥檙e still capable, thoughtful and deserving no matter how finals go.听
- Zoom out and remember that finals stress is听temporary. Try picturing how this moment might feel a week, a month or a year from now.听
If you want extra support, Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers drop鈥慽n sessions, workshops and other resources during finals. Additionally, CAPS has partnered with BetterMynd to offer free, flexible and confidential online counseling for 麻豆免费版下载Boulder students.听
Peer wellness coaches can also help with boundaries, study habits and stress management.听
听听Keep self鈥慶are simple听
During busy weeks, self鈥慶are doesn鈥檛 need to be elaborate. Small, practical steps count and often work better.听
Here are some examples of simplified self-care:听
听听Hygiene听
- Do a shortened routine (face wash + teeth = enough).听
- Use face wipes, dry shampoo or a washcloth when energy is low.听
听听Laundry听
- Skip folding and live out of a basket temporarily.听
- Run laundry while you study.听
听听Dishes and food听
- Plan simpler meals or one鈥憄ot options.听
- Try grocery pickup, delivery or cooking with friends.听
Need a reset during finals? You can grab free wellness supplies or take a quiet break at the Figueroa Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or Village Center Wellness Suite.听