Everyone has their own take on how to get through end-of-term studying an exams. Here are six recommendations from the ResNavs; maybe one is yours?
Plan to do the things you love (and make you happy) | Ronen Adler
In order to practice self-care and maintain my stress levels, I like to set aside time for some of the hobbies that make me happy while planning my study schedule. I like to play basketball a lot. So when I am studying for finals, I ensure that I set aside at least 2 or 3 times a week to go to the Intramural Sports Building to play basketball with my friends and strangers. Another hobby that lowers my stress levels is playing guitar, so I set some time aside for that as well. If I can balance my schedule with adequate study time as well as planning time for what makes me happy, it always de-stresses me and allows me to give my all on my finals. Whatever it may be for you, make sure you are giving yourself time to do the things you love, even when you have a lot of studying to do. Good luck!
Have caffeine nearby (and stop procrastinating, already) | Rocco Albanese
For me, while I need to study often during this portion of the semester, there are also many things that I need to do during study breaks during this time. One thing that I always try to do is get coffee. While I often take the cheap route and make coffee at home, I will also sometimes get coffee at local coffee shops like Sweetwaters or Starbucks. For me, coffee breaks alleviate stress for some reason. Another thing (and probably the biggest thing) that I do during break is going to the gym. The gym for me is probably the best way to alleviate stress, so I try to be especially consistent during exam season. There are other things that I do too, including making sure I don’t procrastinate. I wish everyone luck over this
exam season!
Take a step back, stretch, and eat a healthy snack (reduce the junk food) | Pranavi Jarugula
Exam season is no joke, and I’m right there with you feeling the pressure. If there’s one thing I swear by to keep my sanity, it’s taking mindful breaks. You might be thinking, "How is taking a break gonna help when I have so much to study?" But trust me on this, stepping away from the books for even a few minutes can make a world of difference.
When I hit that point where the words on the page start to blur and my brain feels like it’s melting, I take a step back. I like to do some deep breathing exercises—inhale, exhale, repeat. Or sometimes, I just go for a quick walk around campus. It helps me lower my stress levels and clear my head, making it easier to focus when I get back to it.
Another thing I plan to incorporate is a bit of light stretching or yoga. Sitting for hours on end isn't great for your body, and getting up to move around can keep you from feeling sluggish. Plus, it’s a nice excuse to get some fresh air and maybe even soak up a little sunshine. Even just standing up and stretching can improve blood flow and help me feel more awake. It is also a great time to hangout with your roommates or friends and take a breather.
Lastly, I plan to stay hydrated and snack wisely. It’s tempting to live on coffee and junk food during exams, but keeping hydrated and eating healthy snacks can really boost energy levels and keep your mind sharp. So, give it a shot! Find a moment to pause, breathe, and reset. It doesn't have to be anything fancy—a few minutes here and there can make a huge difference. Your brain will thank you. We've got this, Wolverines. Go Blue!
Schedule workouts (there's an app for that) and study with friends | Nicole Portmann Munoz
One thing I plan to do to alleviate stress during finals is making time for friends and exercise. Despite the cold weather, my friends and I have always made a point to not only spend time with each other outside of studying and class but also engage in activities that better our mental health during this stressful time. Whether it's bracing for a cold walk outside on our days or afternoons off from class, to heading to the gym and working out with a group of friends, it is important to lean on community and stay healthy during exams. Come exam season, my friends and I will be scheduling time in our study calendars to make sure we are going outside, taking care of our bodies, and spending time with each other. One fun way that we have been able to keep ourselves accountable in making time for exercise is through Strava, an app that tracks your runs, walks, and physical activities. It allows you to follow friends and post pictures of you while exercising, making working out to be fun and interactive. Another fun way we make sure to spend time with each is by setting up evening study sessions, post our individual study time to review content and ask questions to each other in groups. This allows us not only to see each throughout our busy days but also engage in challenging material with classmates who may have answers and observations I haven’t thought about. Exam season can be stressful, but also a very intentional and productive time for people to schedule in self-care routines!
Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint (and find wind-down time) | Pearl Thianthai
First, I focus on working smart, not just hard. I use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to create a clear study plan. Dividing tasks into smaller, manageable steps allows me to stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. I dedicate at least an hour each day for each class.
Finding the right study environment is key. Whether it’s a cozy corner of the library or a quiet cafe, I choose a spot where I feel focused and productive. My go-to spots are the Kinesiology Building, Hatcher Reference Room, and the Fishbowl. Changing up locations can also refresh your energy!
It’s equally important to have a strict wind-down time. Studying endlessly is counterproductive, so I set a wind-down time each evening to relax and recharge. Doing something I love like drawing, watching a movie, or baking helps me stay positive. Moreover, physical well-being is critical during finals — exercising, even a quick walk or going to the gym shifts my mood and energy levels. Staying hydrated, eating nourishing meals, and getting plenty of sleep keep me refreshed and focused.
Lastly, give yourself grace. Celebrate small wins, take breaks when needed, and remind yourself that exams are a marathon, not a sprint. By prioritizing your mental and physical health, you’ll not only perform better but also feel better throughout. Good luck!
Take time to meal prep (which is, in itself, a break for mind and body) | Kathryn Wenske
During study days and finals, I plan to prioritize making food as an essential component to practice well-being initiatives. As someone who is detail-oriented and thoroughly enjoys planning, I’ve noticed that during stressful times, such as exam weeks, my appetite tends to decrease and I often lose the motivation to make wholesome meals. Instead, I make the excuse that I don't have enough time to cook, thus opting for quick fixes like instant ramen or soup I can heat up within minutes. While these may be convenient, they do not provide the nourishment my body and mind need to perform at their best.
By dedicating specific time to preparing meals, I am intentionally focusing on my mental and physical well-being. Doing this practice provides a break from studying and a time for reset. It’s an opportunity to refuel with the nutrients necessary to power through long study sessions. Why I consider this an initiative for well-being as it addresses the habit of relying on fast options and redirects me to a more mindful and fulfilling approach to eating.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love ramen. This initiative could very much be as simple as enhancing the ramen by adding a hard-boiled egg and some veggies. The point is setting aside the time to engage in the process of meal preparation, which not only improves my diet but also offers a moment of self-care amidst the stress of exams.
This practice of eating well during finals is essential for maintaining my overall mental health, and ensuring that I have the energy and focus to succeed.