As Finals Approach
We’re back from Thanksgiving break, and classes end on December 8th. That means your Deac’s first set of college final exams is just around the corner: finals run December 11-16 (see the Calendars page of the Registrar’s website).
A to-do list from a student studying for finals in years past. Click to enlarge.
There will be a lot of work in the next couple of weeks – your Deac will be writing final papers and studying for final exams – and might be feeling a fair amount of stress. So how best can you support your student in the coming days?
Urge them to relax.
It sounds counterintuitive – Relax? When there’s still so much I have to do? – but it could be the key to a successful end to the semester.
Relaxation helps them get away from the immediate, pressing items so that they can clear their mind and come back recharged and refreshed and able to tackle the work ahead. If a student doesn’t relieve tension and stress, that stress can build upon itself and can become a detriment to their ability to manage the end-of-semester workload.
Relaxation can take many forms:
Taking a walk or run or getting some physical exercise
Listening to calming music
Taking an hour off to watch a favorite TV show or movie
Spending quality time with friends
Meditating or practicing mindfulness
Using deep breathing techniques
For those interested in the how-tos of mindfulness, including breathing and relaxation techniques, the University Counseling Center has information online, and we have a Mindful Wake community that could be a great resource for your students. Our Office of Wellbeing also has aromatherapy to help students relax, as well as massage chairs in their living room.
Just a few minutes of wellbeing activities each day could help relieve tension and enable your Deacs prep for finals with the best mindset.
And remind your Deac – by telling them this very directly and plainly – that your love is not dependent on their grades or their achievements: your love is unconditional. They may not tell you they need to hear it, and you might think they inherently know that, but it will mean the world to them to hear you say it.