We have reached week 13, and with it comes mixed feelings, adrenaline, pressure, relief and anticipation. The holiday season and finals do not always seem to match well, yet somehow every year they go together anyway. For many of us students, this week isn’t just about having a comfortable gathering in mind, travel arrangements or decorating, as much as it is about late-night cramming, final presentations, preparing for cumulative exams and getting through assignments.
1 – 2 – 3 Breathe!
There can be so little time to breathe between the responsibilities and the celebration, and so often it feels as if you cannot, or don’t deserve to let go of looming worries. Let this be your reminder that you deserve space to rest and de-stress! You have already accomplished months of learning, showing up for yourself in ways that many of us don’t think to recognize…early mornings, late nights, revisions, re-evaluations and the brave persistence it takes to arrive here. That effort counts. So, as we move into this holiday week let yourself slow down, not as procrastination but as an act of self-love and nourishment. Recharge yourself with the people who help you recharge. Laugh deeply. Eat well. Go outside. Put your books down for a minute and really feel the season. When it finally comes time for finals, you’re going to want clarity, concentration, resilience and confidence. Those traits don’t arise from burnout; they spring from balance with rest and play:
If you’re behind: you still have time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed: you’ve got company.
If you’re not confident: keep in mind how far you’ve come.
As we look toward the end of this trimester, the completion is something that you’ve earned. So, this week, two simple truths coexist:
- You are a student preparing for finals, and
- You are a human allowed to enjoy life!
Invite rest, be cozy, and have peace with this moment so that it all assists in your preparation to finish strong! Happy holiday week, and here’s to all the efforts you have put in so far — we’ve got this!!
