Prioritizing Your Wellbeing During Finals
As finals approach, it’s completely natural to feel anxious or stressed as you wrap up the semester. In the midst of this, practicing good mental health habits and knowing the resources available to you can be very helpful. When you prioritize your wellbeing, you can plan more effectively, stay motivated and make better decisions. Below are some activities to consider as you make your plan for finishing the semester strong — they also can be helpful to incorporate year-round.
Be mindful about your study breaks. Breaks are essential, but they help even more when you’re intentional about them. Consider using the 50/10 rule – do 50 minutes of work and then take 10 minutes of rest to help prevent burnout. During your breaks, try to unplug and be screen free.
Feed your brain. Taking care of our bodies includes considering how we’re fueling ourselves. Do your best to have nutritional meals, hydrate throughout the day, and take a healthy snack break when you need it.
Move your body. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense or an hour long. You can take a walk around campus, go for a bike ride, grab a friend and go to the SLC, or do some chair stretches throughout the day. You don’t have to be an expert and there’s no need to over-exert yourself — listen to your body and do what feels good.
Make time to sleep. It’s normal to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day when you’ve got a lot going on. But you can’t keep going if you’re running on empty. Make time to rest – it’s good for your body and your brain. Lack of sleep affects both long- and short-term memory, concentration and mood, and weakens your immune system.
Consider your community. Our friends and community are vital during stressful times. How are your friends showing up for you? How are you showing up for your friends? Researchers have found that positive friendships can be a protective factor for psychological distress, including anxiety, depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. But remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and say “no” if you need to skip a hang out.
Check in with yourself. Sometimes, we’re moving so fast that we forget to understand how we are really feeling. Doing some breathing exercises is a great way to ground yourself. Try box breathing – or the 4-4-4-4 method – breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold for four counts. Regulating your breathing like this can help you reset when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Remember — you are not alone. Your University community is here for you and offers resources to support your physical, mental and spiritual health.
The Baylor Counseling Center offers mental health counseling and crisis support to all Baylor students.
CARE Team offers professionals who connect students to resources both on and off campus and provide holistic care through creating trusting relationships.
Baylor Telehealth by Academic Live Care connects you with a virtual healthcare professional to support your medical or mental health needs 24-hours day, 7 days a week.
Baylor Health Services offers a physician on site to care for the medical needs of students.
If you need someone to talk to and pray with, connect with the Office of Spiritual Life or drop by the Bobo Spiritual Life Center.
Here’s a complete list of resources available to students.