With finals already underway and the days getting shorter, it’s completely normal to feel worn down. You’ve pushed hard all semester, and the finish line is finally in sight. As you wrap up your last exams and projects, now is a great time to pause for a quick mental health check-in. Taking a moment to evaluate how you’re feeling can help you finish strong and recover well once break begins.
Step 1: How Are You Feeling Right Now?
Ask yourself: “How am I doing at this moment?”
If you’re feeling calm, focused, or proud of how you’ve managed finals so far, that’s wonderful. Appreciate the progress you’ve made and let that positive momentum carry you through the last stretch.
If you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or exhausted, that’s completely understandable too—finals week is demanding. Noticing how you feel is the first step toward managing it.
Step 2: Understanding Your Stress
Not all stress is harmful, especially during high-pressure moments like finals.
Good Stress (Eustress):
This is the energy that keeps you motivated and alert. It helps you push through studying and finish exams strong. If you’re running on this kind of stress, keep pacing yourself and you’ll soon be able to enjoy your break.
Bad Stress (Distress):
This can show up as fatigue, headaches, anxiety, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Distress makes it harder to focus and might cause you to withdraw or feel burnt out. If this is the type of stress you’re feeling, the following steps can help.
Step 3: Can You Reduce or Simplify What’s Left?
Even late in finals week, there may be ways to lighten the load:
- Prioritize only what still needs to get done. Push everything else—non-urgent tasks, deep cleaning, big errands—into break.
- Focus on one step at a time instead of the entire list of what’s left.
- Limit screen-time distractions by choosing one show, game, or app for a short daily break.
- Keep projects or remaining tasks simple; this is not the week for perfectionism or overextended effort.
Be mindful of the time you have and give yourself permission to finish things well enough. Sometimes, especially during finals week, just finishing is an accomplishment.
Step 4: Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress
As you push through the last days, pick stress-relievers that actually recharge you:
- Physical Movement: Even a short walk or stretch can boost your mood and energy.
- Art or Crafts: Create something just for the sake of creating—no pressure, no perfection.
- Social Time: Spend time with friends or classmates who help you feel lighter or more supported.
- Rest and Nutrition: Your mind works better when your body is cared for. Eat regularly, hydrate, and grab sleep whenever you can.
If your chosen stress-relief activity makes you feel worse or more stressed, it’s okay to swap it for something gentler.
Step 5: When You’re Not Sure What to Do Next
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed:
- Talk to a Counselor: The UIS Counseling Center is available to help you sort through stress, emotions, or uncertainty as you finish the semester.
- Journal: Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions, understand what’s weighing on you, and feel more grounded.
Final Thoughts
Finals week is tough—there’s no way around it. Taking time to check in with yourself, even briefly, can help you stay steady and finish strong. And remember: your mental health matters just as much as your academic performance. Be kind to yourself as you cross the finish line.