Self-Care Tips during finals

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To ponder an online master’s degree is something serious. Once you start it, you are on a tough track till it is completed. If you’re not cautious, the final few weeks of the semester can become a real slog. When you’re busy and stressed out from studying for exams, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself or you could feel guilty for doing so. To manage your stress, increase your productivity, and safeguard your physical and mental health, it’s crucial to take a step back and engage in self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup, after all. 

Self-care tips during finals | Beyond the Diag - Off Campus Housing

Here are some suggestions to help you avoid exam-related burnout and include self-care into your daily routine. 

Treat yourself

Give yourself credit for finishing chores on your to-do list and acknowledge your accomplishments whenever you reach a goal, no matter how modest. You’ll stay motivated and on track with your study schedule if you give yourself a modest reward. After finishing those chapter notes, treat yourself to a snack or a coffee break. After a successful day, reward yourself with an episode or two of your favorite show.

Share your thoughts with someone

Reach out and talk to someone if the stress is making you feel overwhelmed. Many times, simply sharing how you’re feeling can relieve a lot of the pressure on your shoulders. You might find that a family member or a friend who is also a student can connect to your situation or has gone through something similar. Additionally, you have the choice of going to a student assistant or getting some counseling from university counselors.

Focus on your diet

The healthier your diet, the better you’ll feel, however, it’s easier said than done. Choose alternatives that provide you with longer-lasting energy, such as those that may include some protein or healthy fats, rather than eating sugary snacks. In short, don’t rely on Maltesers to keep you going during exam time. Additionally, avoid drinking too much coffee, especially later in the day. Air-popped popcorn, blueberries, hummus, and veggie slices are some examples of healthful snacks that are preferable.

Take sufficient rest

No, sleeping is not a weakness. Those who truly want to be able to remember information and concentrate on what they are learning each day should get some sleep. Your performance, mental health, general well-being, and a long list of other benefits from getting a good night’s sleep will astound you!

Take it easy

It’s very normal to experience feelings of stress or irritability while an exam is approaching. The key is to make sure you don’t let your doubtful ideas rule your mind. You can do this with the help of some excellent applications, like Headspace or Calm. Use them to ground yourself, improve your breathing, promote awareness, and shift your focus away from those negative ideas.

Change the environment

Your mood and ability to concentrate can both be significantly impacted by your surroundings. Change it up if you’re feeling stuck or sidetracked. Move away from the boisterous group table on Reid’s ground floor and find a private workstation with a view on the third level, or get together with a friend taking the same course so you can study together. Alternately, play some music to liven up the environment you’re in.

Stay in touch with friends

Studying can indeed be lonely at times, and you may find yourself becoming lost in your thoughts. Utilize the chance to chat with a friend and leave your workstation. Most likely, you’re not the only one who is stressed out or in need of a break. Grab a coffee, go for a walk along the shore, or meet up with someone during your lunch break. Use this time to recharge and perhaps even seek advice.

Take a break

As absurd as it may seem, taking a break from your work can be just what you need to be able to do it more effectively. You might believe that if you just sit down and push through it, you’ll finish things more quickly. Treat it like a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll benefit more in the long term from taking regular breaks. Studying at intervals might help you focus and refresh your mind. For example, you might study for 45 minutes and then take a 15-minute break. Find the combination that works best for you. To help you stay on track, try setting a timer. This will help you keep those 15-minute breaks from turning into 3-hour YouTube binges.

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