Hillel’s Top Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During Finals
Finals season is here at campuses across the country, and coming up for colleges and universities on the quarter system. For many college students, that means increased stress, anxiety, and long work sessions, and a big decrease in sleep, balanced meals, and self-care. Fortunately, as we wind down Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Hillel International is here to help carry the load. Here are some of our top tips for making finals a little less overwhelming, along with ways campus Hillels are putting these ideas into practice to support students.
Tip #1: Use your hands for something other than school work
Research shows that moving our bodies helps our brains process, make connections, and sharpen our ability to pay attention and manage challenges. In other words, taking a break from studying to stretch, cook a meal, or do an art project with friends doesn’t ruin your study focus — it improves it.
At the University of Toronto, Hillel Ontario brought this Jewish value of rest into real life recently by offering flexible, multisensory drop-in experiences like a make-your-own grilled cheese bar, and activities like beading and lanyard-making.
“During exam season, Hillel was honestly one of my go-to spots on campus because the bagel lunches, study spaces, and supportive environment made long study days feel way less stressful,” said Zohara, a student at the University of Toronto. “I also loved the drop in art programs like beading, bedazzling, and painting since they were such a fun way to take a break, relax, and hang out with other students during exams.”
Tip #2: Look for a change of scenery
Have you “touched grass” today? Research shows that spending time in nature — even if it’s just for a few minutes — reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood, memory, and cognitive function. Bring your study materials or laptop out to the quad, take the long route through campus next time you’re going to the dining hall, or pop out of the library long enough to soak up the sun next to your favorite tree.
Not an outdoorsy person? That’s okay. Just finding a calming space can do wonders for stress reduction. At the University of Colorado Boulder, CU Boulder Hillel’s Program Manager Shira Finke welcomed students with warm pancakes and waffles, plenty of tasty toppings, and space to play games and connect with one another.
“Hillel late night study sessions are a great opportunity to connect with my Jewish community at a time in the semester when many feel socially isolated,” said one student.
Tip #3: Find a Furry Friend
Fun fact: Petting animals reduces blood pressure and increases empathy — which means that spending some time with animals doesn’t just mellow you out, it might also save you from a finals season crash. This is a great time to see if a group on campus is bringing in therapy or emotional support dogs, to Google petting zoos in your area (it’s baby animal season, after all), or to see if anyone with a pet might be willing to lend you a snuggle.
At Michigan State University, MSU Hillel partnered with the Mid-Michigan Corgi Club for “Paws & Relax,” creating space for students to unwind, connect, and get some much-needed doggie snuggles.
Tip #4: Do something to help someone else and remember that you matter.
It might sound counterproductive during a time when every minute feels scheduled, but taking some time to do a service project or a volunteer activity helps reduce stress by releasing dopamine — the chemical in your brain that makes you feel relaxed and happy.
“Finals are exhausting, and Hillel helped me recharge,” said Shir Dvir, a second-year student at Michigan State University, where Jewish students packed finals survival kits together. “It reminded me of the community backing us, which lessened my feeling of being overwhelmed and alone.”
And at the University of Texas, students at Hillel stuffed Final Kits with fidget toys, sleep masks, undereye patches, and (of course) coffee.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you are so much more than your GPA. Your value isn’t a score or a class ranking — it’s about being who you are. And, as always, Hillel is here to have your back.
Stay hydrated, stay rested, and from all of us at Hillel International: Good luck on your finals!