Small ways to make finals week filled with more joy .
by Ella Tomes
The signaling of spring comes with many beautiful things: tulips blooming, bees buzzing around, and classes finally ending. But it also signals a week many of us dread: finals week. No matter what form they come in, exams, projects, or essays, finals still take a toll on everyone in different ways, and that is why it is so important to prioritize yourself during this time. It can be so easy to get caught up in studying and memorizing that you forget that you are still just a human. And that is where whimsy comes in. Knowing when and where you can add that little bit of magic dust to life, a.k.a whimsy, can really help during this stressful time. And I am here to tell you some simple ways to do exactly that.
A simple way that I used throughout all four years of college after taking a stressful exam is simply walking. It might sound so obvious, and you might be saying, “I already walked to that exam”. But I mean walking with intention. That means walking while listening to your favorite song that can bring back memories of bliss, or even slipping your headphones on and pressing play on an audiobook that enraptures you. Then walk down your favorite street, even if it’s out of the way. Walk with your head held up, and instead of looking down at your phone, look around you and take in your surroundings. Life can feel out of our hands sometimes, but simply taking a walk the way you want to can make you feel like the driver of your life and ground you.
Another thing you can do for yourself is to simply reward yourself with your favorite drink, meal, or snack. There have been countless days when I have felt so overwhelmed, but I would tell myself that if I do this one hard thing, I could get my favorite coffee. Adding comfort to the chaos can motivate you to push through these hard times. This reward can look different for everyone. But it’s important to fuel your body and mind during this time of year. It’s easy to get caught up in studying, but do not forget that your brain needs food and water to even be able to get you that good exam grade. So be whimsical with it. Make that comfort cup of macaroni, buy that special flavored latte, or even take yourself out on a dinner date.
One of the most whimsical and important things you can do is go outside and be in nature. Sit outside at Memorial Union and watch the ducks bob up and down in the lake, lie in the grass on Bascom Hill and let the sun warm you, or stroll through Allen Centennial Garden and count as many koi fish as you can in the pond. Our campus is extremely beautiful, and that beauty is built for you to experience. After being cramped up in Helen C. White all day or in your room, it might seem like the easier thing to do is just lie down inside from how exhausted you are. But even if it’s just stepping outside to sit on a bench for a moment, do it. Grounding yourself in nature can remind you that life isn’t all that serious, and it keeps going even if you don’t get the best grade on that final. Looking up at the sky and taking a deep breath can literally change your mood. Don’t believe me? Go try it.
Knowing that, at the end of the day, you will still be okay after you exit finals week is vital. It helps you get through the week and move through it with a little more grace. Remind yourself that you’re only human, and that it’s okay to need breaks and time for yourself. Whether that looks like a walk with your favorite song, a comfort drink after a long study session, or a moment outside in the sun, those small acts matter. So good luck to all of you during finals week. All of your hard work matters, and it is just as important to take care of yourself. A little whimsy goes a long way.
