There’s no doubt that finals season can be stressful. With the added chaos of moving out and finalizing summer plans, this time of the year can get overwhelming quickly. That’s why it’s important to take care of your mental health and prioritize your well-being during this time. Here are four ways to bust finals stress and (try to) relax!
1. Grab Some Late-Night Pancakes at Syrup-Cuse
Food is fuel, especially during finals season! Take a break from your laptop and head to Syrup-Cuse on Tuesday, April 28, from 9-11 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium. Grab some free breakfast foods, enjoy live music and hang out with friends. This is a great, low-key way to end the semester and kick off finals season. Admission is free, but make sure to RSVP on Cuse Activities!
2. Catch a Performance of Kentucky on the Syracuse Stage
If you’re looking for some entertainment and a way to support fellow Syracuse students, consider seeing Kentucky. Put on by the Syracuse University Department of Drama, Kentucky follows the story of a successful, self-made woman living in New York who isn’t in contact with her dysfunctional family in Kentucky. However, when her born-again Christian 22-year-old sister decides to marry, she takes it upon herself to stop the marriage and save her sister’s future. The show runs from April 24 through May 3, making it the perfect way to close the semester and step away from finals. Make sure to purchase your tickets before they sell out!
3. Decompress and Relax With the Barnes Center at The Arch
Sometimes, after so much brain stimulation, you just want to relax and do nothing. If that’s you, I feel you! This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Crowley Family MindSpa, where you can fully relax and unwind. The MindSpa has full-body massage chairs that you can reserve all to yourself, as well as a number of meditation and mindfulness activities like zen gardens, wind chime machines, art materials and more! A quiet change of scenery is a great way to reset your brain.
Additionally, mindfulness is a great way to keep yourself grounded, present and relaxed. If you want to practice mindfulness in your own space and on your own time, download the Headspace app and get the premium version for free using your Syracuse University email address!
4. Attend a Late Night Ice Event
Looking for some physical fun to keep your mind off of finals? Come out to Late Night Ice at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion! The last skates of the semester will be on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, from 8-11 p.m. Snacks will be provided! Admission and skate rental is free for Syracuse University and SUNY ESF students, just make sure to register on the Wellness Portal and bring your student I.D. card along!
Taking care of yourself and having fun as the semester wraps up is so important. Don’t fall victim to burnout and take plenty of study breaks. Happy finals season, Syracuse!
Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs