It’s the final showdown: tips and tricks

Real talk: we’re all tired. Winter has set in. It’s dark out now by five at night. We’re less than a month out from the end of the semester. This isn’t to say that we should all simply give up and hide under our heated blankets. Rather, it’s important to look toward community, like friends and campus events. While you might be thinking events will take up too much time, it’s beneficial to have time set aside from academic work.

On Thursday, Clemens Library is having an event to make your own marbled trinket dish or coaster. This is one example of a time where we could reset and take a study break.

Think about doing small things to get out of your stagnant routine. You can do something easy like going to get a sweet treat for yourself (or others!).

With Thanksgiving break coming up, consider resting in whatever way is possible for you. Spend time with people that uplift and energize you so that you feel ready to finish out the semester.

For anyone staying on campus over Thanksgiving break, the CSB+SJU Senates, nutrition department, Nutrition Club and CSB+SJU Libraries have partnered to create a pre-packaged snack pack that anyone can grab on Tuesday.

And when you come back don’t forget about study day. Make a plan with other people, whether they’re friends or in your classes, on how you’re going to manage your workload and also your personal health and mental well-being.

Another thing to look out for after break is entering the chance to win the ultimate study room, sponsored by the CSB+SJU Libraries. This is a great way to study with friends with extra perks.

An addition idea for your studying needs is to consider utilizing the revamped study rooms turned sensory rooms in Clemens Library. These rooms provide fidget toys and other means of concentration.

For the senior class, listen up. Though you may be in the midst of your capstones or beginning them, this is your last fall final. It’s your last winter break.

Make sure you know how to manage your mental health without going into a “senior slump.” After this, you’ll only have one more semester (unless you’re graduating early, congratulations!).

This will pass, and you’ll be onto something new. It always feels unrelenting in the moment, but you’ve gotten through all other past difficulties.

In the end, know your limits. It’s okay to say no to things. You don’t have to do things you no longer have strength for. That’s what the new semester will be for. For now, focus on what’s in front of you.

On the whole, just embrace the chaos. Make the best of whatever situation you’re in right now. There are people here that are in your same situation and have been previously.

Additionally, the big things we focus on tend to be the least impactful on yourself. For instance, something simple, like sleep, is often overlooked. Sleep is essential, and as T Meier, our Variety Editor, says, “Van Gogh did his best work when he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for his well-being. Also, he got sleep, which you should do.” Van Gogh is featured above to remind you of this quote.

From all of us at The Record, we hope you have a good break and we wish you a successful and fulfilling end of the semester and finals.

Quick tips: drink water, get 8-10 hours of sleep, eat food, and make sure to use all your flex bucks.