Navigating Finals Season: Tips for Stress Management and Self-Care
Published: December 6, 2024
Finals season can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Rocky Hopkins, Graduate Student Assistant for the Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator Program, Madison Buckley, Mental Health Promotion Student Assistant, and Audrey Rovillain, public health major and Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator, share their tips for managing stress, balancing study time and practicing self-care during finals. Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, these strategies can help you prioritize well-being and tackle the challenges of finals.
About Audrey Rovillain
Audrey, a public health major from Houston, is a Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator, helping to promote wellness on campus. She is also involved in the Natural Sciences Council, SPARK Magazine, and the EdEN Interns program, where she teaches elementary school students about gardening and nutrition.
Audrey, a public health major from Houston, is a Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator, helping to promote wellness on campus. She is also involved in the Natural Sciences Council, SPARK Magazine, and the EdEN Interns program, where she teaches elementary school students about gardening and nutrition.
About Madison Buckley
Madison, an exercise science undergraduate student with a pre-health certificate, is passionate about mental health promotion. She works as a Mental Health Promotion Student Assistant with the Longhorn Wellness Center and is involved in Texas Athletics' Sports Medicine and Dell Medical School’s Health Science Pipeline Program.
Madison, an exercise science undergraduate student with a pre-health certificate, is passionate about mental health promotion. She works as a Mental Health Promotion Student Assistant with the Longhorn Wellness Center and is involved in Texas Athletics' Sports Medicine and Dell Medical School’s Health Science Pipeline Program.
About Rocky Hopkins
Rocky is a master's student in health behavior and health education at UT Austin. She serves as a Graduate Student Assistant for the Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator Program and is an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity focused on community empowerment through music.
Rocky is a master's student in health behavior and health education at UT Austin. She serves as a Graduate Student Assistant for the Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator Program and is an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity focused on community empowerment through music.
Top tips for staying calm, focused and balanced during finals.
Tip #1: Set Boundaries and Prioritize Well-Being
Both Madison and Rocky stress the importance of protecting your physical and mental health. Rocky emphasizes getting enough sleep: “Instead of staying up all night, I go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up early to finish any remaining work.” Audrey agrees, noting that adequate sleep helps maintain motivation and focus. Madison also recommends “mind breaks,” like walking, adjusting posture, or listening to music, to help recharge and reduce stress.
Tip #2: Break Tasks Into Smaller Chunks and Take Regular Breaks
A structured approach helps prevent burnout. Rocky uses hour-long study sessions followed by 20–25-minute breaks. Audrey suggests creating daily study plans to stay on track, while both emphasize the importance of regular breaks. Audrey uses activities like journaling or drawing to reset, while Rocky enjoys creative outlets like Zentangling to de-stress.
Tip #3: Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Managing stress is also about staying centered. Madison uses deep breathing, stretching and walks to clear her mind. Rocky combines stress balls with slow breathing for relaxation, while Audrey recommends stepping away from devices during breaks and using mindfulness activities like meditation or journaling to recharge.
Tip #4: Reflect and Adjust for the Future
Reflection is key to improving your study habits. Madison recommends starting earlier and attending more office hours next time. Rocky and Audrey both reflect on what worked well in their time management and study strategies, aiming to fine-tune their approach for future exams.
Tip #5: Transition Smoothly Between School and Home Life
The shift from school to home life can be challenging. Madison suggests taking breaks at home to recharge with food and connect with friends. Rocky sets expectations with family and friends about availability during finals, while Audrey prioritizes relaxing by changing into comfortable clothes and unwinding when she gets home.
Final Thoughts
Finals week doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By setting boundaries, breaking tasks into smaller steps, practicing mindfulness and reflecting on your progress, you can reduce stress and improve your performance. Remember, taking care of yourself throughout the process is key—good luck, and you've got this!
View more information on the Longhorn Wellness Center and the programs and services offered.