It’s just that time of year
It’s the beginning of December. You’re on your third coffee of the day and have 37 tabs open. You’ve spent more time in the library in the past week than you have in your own home. Your mom keeps pestering you for your Christmas wish list, but you have four papers to write before tomorrow. You run into a friend on campus and they ask how you’re doing—you reply, “you know…it’s just that time of year.”
It’s finals season and you’re stressed to the max, but the good news is that you’re not alone. Every other UVic student feels the same way right now, including me. And as I procrastinate my final assignments, I thought I’d give you some inspirational messages to get you through this insane time:
Breaks are essential
As much as I’d love to be able to be 100% productive for hours at a time, that’s just not possible. I know from my experience that when I give my brain a break I am much more productive—even more so when I take that break and socialize with other people. So if your friends have invited you out, even if you feel like you have too much to do, say yes (within reason of course). You need time to turn off the academic part of your brain, laugh, and have fun!
By Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
You can’t be productive if you don’t take care of yourself
Burnout is real, and the more you try to ignore your body’s needs during finals season, the less productive you will be. Whether it’s not getting enough sleep, drinking too much caffeine, or sitting and staring at your computer for 12 hours straight, you will start to crash. Even if you have to schedule a time to cry because you’re so busy, make sure that you are finding those pockets to take care of yourself.
By Gregory Pappas on Unsplash
There’s no shame in asking for help
You could be the most put together person in the world and still find yourself floundering during finals season—it is not a reflection of who you are or how hard you work. If you feel like you can’t get through the end of the semester on your own, or even if you’re just looking for some extra tips, check out @uvicyearone’s THRIVE Exam Care Package.
@uvicyearone THRIVE Exam Care Package
You will make it through this!
It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling that you’re drowning in your academic work, especially when all the other students around you are just as stressed. But remember that every finals season comes to an end, and very soon you’ll be shifting your “it’s just that time of year” to “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” You’ve got this—best of luck!
