Resources and Tips for Staying Healthy During Finals
After the excitement of the start of the semester starts to wind down, and Thanksgiving break turns into a fresh dream from last week, the finals season is upon us. It is a time we all dread. It’s not always easy to recall information from the semester, especially after a year and a half of strictly learning on Zoom, it has been hard to get back into the swing of in-person learning. Personally, the transition has been a challenge for me. That hard work ethic and intense studying habits of high school faded away as learning on Zoom became my new normal. Now that in-person learning is back, and with that the wonders that are 2+ hour in-person tests, Barnard is here to help you! Just because you have to study does not mean your mental and physical health should get pushed to the side. A healthy student means a healthier mind, and fuel, sleep, and taking care of yourself is the most important thing always, especially during a more stressful time!
Before giving you the tips, tricks, and resources to make your finals time the healthiest and least overwhelming it can, it is important to check in with yourself and your stress level. Something that was taught to me from a young age is the difference between a paper tiger, and a real tiger. A paper tiger looks like a real tiger, but upon further examination it can (obviously) be understood that there is nothing to be afraid of, it is simply a piece of paper! Final tests are not real tigers. They are paper tigers. Your entire life, career, and college experience does not rest on any single test. No single test determines your worth, how smart you are, or how amazing of a person you are. Each one of you is here for a reason, so work hard, do your best, but don’t let a test make you doubt how incredible you are. A test doesn’t have that kind of power, only you do! Now that my pep talk is over, here are some resources and tips for your finals time!
Resources:
Well-Woman: Located on the first floor of Reid Hall in the Barnard Quad, Well-Woman has programs, workshops, books, journals, academic resources, and overall support for Barnard students to better physical and mental health. Well-Woman supports the idea that wellness is a key component for learning and being your best student and person! Well-Woman is always a great place to unwind, de-stress, and re-center.
Furman Counseling Center: For more serious anxiety and stress, Furman Counseling Center is located on the first floor of Hewitt. They offer free counseling for Barnard students, and anyone can start seeing someone there. There is one-on-one support, group support, and specialized help for students of all identities and backgrounds. Furman Counseling gives personalized care for every Barnard student. If you need help and are feeling too overwhelmed, Furman counseling has trained professionals that are always available to talk to!
Your RA: Your RA is not just there for floor events, they are there as a resource too! They go through training to be an RA and are well equipped to talk and help you through anything you may need at Barnard. Even if you just want a friendly face, reach out to your RA!
Tips:
Go for a Walk: Being inside the library all day isn’t good for you. Get outside, go for a walk, listen to music. Even if it is just around the block, it helps to get some fresh air.
Make a Schedule: I love to make a schedule, especially when I am studying for more than one exam! Personally, I am a lover of colored pens and stickers, so if you want a good pre-finals activity with friends, coloring night is always fun.
Take Breaks: Set an alarm, study for an hour or two at a time, then take at least a five minute break. It is proven to help your brain focus better, plus studying straight for hours on end is not only not fun, but not productive!
Study with Friends: Studying with friends can help you learn things you don’t know as well, help you stay motivated, and keep you company. Having loving friends near me definitely reduces the stress of studying.
Eat, Sleep, Exercise: Keeping a normal sleep, eating, and physical activity routine is really important in keeping your body and mind healthy. You need to be fueled and well rested for studying! Also please sleep, sleep is extremely important. All nighters are not productive.
Keep reminding yourself that finals, tests, school in general, do not define you as a person. You are amazing, and a grade on a test should not convince you otherwise!
So, here are my tips and tricks for tackling college finals. It may be your first finals, it may be your last, and maybe none of these things speak to you. That is ok! If they don't, I suggest making a list of things that do speak to you, because it is always nice to look back on while you are in the thick of it. The end is near, you have almost made it! Study, celebrate, and then take the winter break to catch up on all that missed rest. Enjoy the holiday season, you all don’t need luck because YOU GOT THIS!!!
Maya Passman
BC ‘24