5 Ways to Survive Finals Week as a Grad Student

One thing we’ve noticed about graduate school that differs from undergraduate is the flexibility in class schedules, particularly in terms of finals and work in general. I love being able to focus (more or less) on things I actually want to pursue in my career. It’s nice to take all Journalism classes, rather than two years of basic study. For Journalism, you normally take about two to three classes a semester. That being said, two to three classes in graduate school is basically five to six in undergraduate. So, time management is still a must.

Like any sane person, this is my third time in college, so I’ve learned a thing or two about prepping for finals.

Finals week for me during my undergraduate degree and first graduate degree always consisted of tons of coffee, no sleep, and cramming as much information in my head as possible until I couldn’t hold anything else. Now, a little older and two degrees under my belt, headed towards a third, I’ve vowed not to give up my mental health and physical health just for a grade. And, let’s face it– we just don’t function at 29 the way we did at 22. 

Here are five things to help you relax your body and brain during finals week.

Switch Up What You’re Studying.

This may not be a “break,” but it’s definitely a break from the stuff you’ve been cramming in your head for three straight hours. If you’re an English graduate student like I used to be, change the subject you’re studying. So, if you’re studying grammar, try moving to a paper you have to write and do some research. This will ease your brain a bit, so you don’t get overwhelmed, and it turns to mush… If you’re an undergraduate student, switch subjects completely. Studying math? Switch to English or science! Relax your brain and cram knowledge into a different part of it. 

Now, in Journalism school, most finals consist of long articles, putting out interview requests with no response, and prepping that big byline for the end of the semester. In this case, switch up which article you’re working on. Helps get the creative juices flowing again. 

Another good idea is to switch study METHODS. Studying for one class with flash cards? Study for the next one with a practice quiz or by reading through your textbook.

Watch an Episode of Your Fav Show on Netflix.

Honestly, Netflix or any streaming app is everyone’s favorite way to relax. It can actually help productivity, too! Your mental and physical health will appreciate the 30-minute TV show break. You could grab a snack (that isn’t an iced coffee) and cozy up in your comfy bed. After you finish watching your favorite show (for me, I turn on Vampire Diaries, because duh), you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in. Been cramming for hours on end? Watch two episodes! I promise the studying will still be there when you return.

Take a Bath or a Hot Shower.

Okay, let’s face it— baths and showers fix anything and can literally revive you from the deepest stress. Crank that water up to skin-melting temp and forget the books. If you’re a bath person, try throwing bath salts in there to relax your muscles. Dr. Teal’s is the best, in my opinion. They make bath salts for every problem you can possibly think of. If you’re a shower type of person, try playing some music and letting the steam build up from the hot water. It’s like a sauna, but in your own house. The hot air will refresh your body. You’ll feel new and ready to start looking at your work again.

Go for a Walk or a Run.

It’s no secret that exercise helps with stress. Walking or running is a perfect way to blow off the steam from three hours of writing an essay that you think you can’t possibly say anymore about. You’ll clear your head, and who knows, maybe think of an idea you haven’t added yet. The fresh air will also help your body to feel better after studying on the couch or your bed for hours on end. Let’s not forget about all the help the sun gives our bodies. I absolutely hate being stuck in the house for hours. That alone makes me anxious. So, being in the house combined with studying for hours is a mega NO. If you have a dog or a pet you take on walks, take them with you! It’ll occupy your mind in the best way possible.

Take a Well-Deserved Nap.

That’s right. A NAP. The best thing for your body to do when overwhelmed, exhausted, or stressed is to sleep. As much as I’d like to say you could nap without setting an alarm, you might want to limit this power nap to 20 to 30 minutes. That’s just long enough to revitalize your body and give you the strength to power through your studying. If you have the time to nap with no alarm, honestly I envy you, and you should take advantage of that beautiful thing.

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