End of Semester Survival Guide
Whether it’s spring or fall, whether you’re taking exams (and writing essays) or giving (and grading) them, finals season can be a stressful time. We’re here to help. From reducing stress to finding a cozy spot on campus—and who doesn’t need one of those?—Smith has got you covered. Scroll down for expert advice from Health and Wellness and tips and tricks from the Smith community to help you meet your goals, power through deadlines—and take good care of yourself, too!
Relax and Reset
We’ve partnered with the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness to bring to you some quick and easy ways for you to combat stress—particularly during the end of the semester.
Contact Sunny Windorski, Care Coordinator and Health Educator, for more information on any of these concepts.
- Talk it out! Have a conversation with someone you trust. (Family member, friends, professor, therapist, etc.)
- Sleep on it. Clearing your mind and coming back to a problem will help put things in perspective.
- Eat food that fuels your body and make time for exercise.
- Look at everyday activities as breaks from stressful situations. Taking a shower or bath, sitting down at meals, and walking from place to place are all activities to be enjoyed.
- Remember that you are capable. You have handled stressful situations before, and you will get through this.
- Make time for yourself! You are the most important person in your life.
- Take some time to laugh—call a friend, watch a TikTok compilation, whatever makes you smile.
- Talk to a loved one! (Family, friends, partner)
- Make a list of reasons to be happy or what you are grateful for in that moment.
- Wiggle break! (Dance, stretch, move)
- Take a walk outside or around the building you’re in.
- Get a drink of water or tea/coffee (in moderation).
- Take a thought break! Works best if you look away from your computer for a few minutes.
- Take a power nap for 20 minutes.
- Blast your favorite song.
- Go for a run or use the Smith gym!
- Procrasti-clean or get organized.
- Enjoy a delicious snack.
- Watch an episode (or two, or three...) of your favorite show.
- Practice mindful breathing.
- Scream (during Primal Scream or in a space that doesn’t observe 24/7 quiet hours, of course...)
- Squeeze a stress ball.
- Scribble, craft, knit, paint—just create something.
Smith has lots of programming to support holistic wellbeing during finals period! Check out some of the highlights here, or read the OSE’s instagram for more information.
- Rock Climbing open hours
- Boating open hours
- Midnight snacks
- Midnight Breakfast at Saint John’s Church
24/7 quiet hours in the houses and library may be stressful for some people. Below are spaces that don’t have the same restrictions.
- Sage Hall Practice Rooms
- Outdoor spaces like Capen Gardens, Chapin Lawn, or the Library Amphitheatre
- The Campus Center
- Capen Annex/The Design Thinking Initiative
- After classes have ended, classroom spaces
- Ainsworth Gym
Stress-Free in the CC
No Decaf Here
Okay, the Campus Center Café does sell decaf, but we’re not sure who’s buying it right now. We asked current Smithies what their go-to study drinks are, and they ranged from chai lattes to kombucha.
Grab a cup of whatever fuels you and tackle those finals!
