Rest. Relaxation, and Finals Week

The Importance of Relaxing During Finals

BY ANTHONY CAGE GRUBB Staff Writer

Finals week can be one of the most stressful times of the year for students. End-of-the-year activities, making summer vacation plans, and timeconstraining exams and essays fill the last days of the school year. While these activities, plans, and assignments lay heavy on the minds of students across campus, it is important to remember to take frequent study breaks. These breaks can appear in a variety of forms, but if you are having trouble deciding on how best to spend your free time, here are a few suggestions.

As the summer season approaches, warmer weather is making its way to Williamsburg. Therefore, any time spent outside would be an excellent way to take a break from the stressful schoolwork that takes up most of a student’s time. On the weekends, a trip to Cumberland Falls or Laurel Lake would provide a great chance to break up the monotony of schoolwork and classes. Going with a group of friends would also provide you with the chance to spend quality time with people that you may not see until school begins again in August. There are various hiking and bike trails at both places, which are other fun ways to pass the time. These activities may be fun, but they are also great ways to exercise and spend time in nature.

If traveling off campus does not fit your plans for the remaining weeks of the semester, there are several spots around campus where you could take a break. Patriot Park has been a wonderful addition to our campus, especially as a place to relax and spend time with friends. You can bring a hammock and book to spend time reading or lying in the sun. A late-night volleyball game or morning tennis match is another great way to spend time away from schoolwork. These activities provide a great opportunity to hang out with friends and give students a chance to exercise. This exercise can help reduce stress and strengthen one’s body.

The health benefits of spending time outside are undeniable as well. The sun provides many health benefits to humans such as boosting immune health, reducing stress, and improving one’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Therefore, spending time outside during your break from schoolwork can improve your well-being and boost your performance during your finals. Frequent breaks, exercise, and healthy meals will keep your body in excellent condition.

Although many individuals may not enjoy spending time outside, there are several other ways you can take a break from school. Planning to eat lunch with friends or grabbing a coffee between classes is another great way to relax during the stressful end of the term. It is important to make time to eat and socialize, so what better way to spend your time than eating with friends? Planning an hour to eat with friends will allow you to relax and give your body time to receive the necessary nutrients to succeed.

Regardless of which activity you choose to do during your free time throughout finals week, frequent rest and a change of scenery are important. Setting aside time with yourself or with friends is essential for your well-being. These breaks will not only give your body time to rest, but they will also help you perform better on your final projects of the semester. Remember to get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy meal, set aside time for yourself, and stay active while wrapping up the final weeks of school.