Welcome to the UMC’s Finals Zen Zone
Stop by the Zen Zone on the first floor of the UMC April 24–May 8.
Take a break, relax or meditate in a comfy area while you prep for finals.
Prepare to finish strong
While the thought of preparing for finals may feel overwhelming, you can set yourself up for success by using these strategies.
Finals are demanding on our minds and bodies. Improve your concentration and memory by fueling your body using these easy snack ideas or visiting the Buff Pantry for food assistance.
Whether you're looking for a nice view or somewhere nearby to get a snack, these spots will make the hours spent preparing for finals more enjoyable.
Whether you have exams or projects coming up, here are some practice tips to help you manage and reduce stress around finals.
Our study sessions and exam schedules can impact how well and how long we sleep at night. Whether you’re feeling fatigued, restless or both, here are some tips to help you create a better sleep schedule.
The end of the semester can be a stressful time, whether you’re studying for finals, gearing up for graduation or preparing for a well-deserved break. Here are five small ways to treat yourself during finals week.
Long days of studying and preparing for finals can leave you feeling drained. Take a break and recharge by attending one of the finals week events.
Don’t forget to breathe
Try these breathing exercises to re-center your body and mind as you prepare for finals.
- Start by taking a deep breath all the way down to your lower belly.
- Hold the breath for about 5 seconds and let go of all thoughts.
- Slowly exhale any stress or tension you may be feeling.
- Acknowledge the power of your breath.
- Sit with a quiet mind and take a nice deep breath.
- Notice your thoughts. Are they jumping around so much that you can’t relax? Are you easily distracted? Do you have trouble turning your mind off?
- Challenge yourself to quiet the mind. Imagine you are floating on a clear blue lake with your thoughts immersed under the water.
- Give yourself a moment of peace and enjoy the sense of peace for as long as you are able to.
- Get comfortable and close your eyes. Set aside at least 1 or 2 minutes for this exercise.
- Set your timer and focus solely on your breathing. Notice how the air feels as it enters your nose and how your chest feels as it slowly expands.
- Hold the breath for a moment and then slowly release it through pursed lips.
- Count to 1 every time you inhale and 2 every time you exhale and keep repeating. Counting helps focus the mind. Notice how much calmer you feel after only a short mindful breathing practice.
- Close your eyes and take 2-3 nice deep breaths. Let the breath calm and relax you.
- Now make an intention to scan your body. Start with your head and work your way down to your feet. Notice any sensations of tension or tightness as you scan your body.
- If any area feel tense or tight, breathe into those areas and imagine them loosening and subsiding.
- Relax and continue to focus on your breath as your release any tension.
Reach out for support if you need it
Everyone struggles sometimes, and it’s okay to ask for help. These campus resources can help you manage stress and anxiety as you navigate finishing the semester.