Throughout the semester, students have been preparing for the most dreadful and stressful week; finals week. As we approach the concluding week of the semester, reminding ourselves not to forget about our mental health and wellness is important. With the heavier load of studying, homework, and review sessions, it is easy to get carried away with all the stress and anxiety. Temple University offers helpful services to assist students through this time, along with simply taking the extra step to practice mindfulness techniques.
At the Independence Blue Cross (IBC), there are daily classes of Power Yoga, Pilates, Circuits, Dance Cardio, Zumba, and more. Within these classes, the instructors practice healthy mindsets and motivation to clear your head of negative energy. They can be used to not only take your mind off of finals for a little, but to show your body that it is a priority. Temple University offers these classes for the students and faculty, so they should be used to our advantage, especially during finals week. As you actively and regularly participate, you are then able to practice these routines at home, not just in the gym.
With my experience at the IBC, I have attended several types of classes, from Good Night Yoga to Pilates Mix. After each class, I left feeling balanced in both my body and schoolwork. It gave me the motivation to continue studying but also created time to practice mindfulness. My favorite classes to attend are the Pilates Basics and Pilates Mix, as the instructor practices breathing patterns, but also strength training. This enables students to achieve an hour of both healthy practices, which we should have every day. They also cost no additional fee or negative impacts for Temple students, leaving no excuse to not attend!
Along with IBC fitness classes, students should also learn and practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Through the increased amount of studying and schoolwork that comes with finals week, our posture and muscles become tense and uncomfortable. These techniques can ease the tension within your body that affects your every life, ensuring a more comfortable week of exams. A huge benefit to these kinds of practices is an increased memory and focus, increasing performance on exams. Some other advantages include improved sleep quality, mood, cognitive function, and confidence, which all assist in better outcomes on final exams. Certain outcomes vary depending on which meditation or breathing technique you choose.
Below is an attached link to a website filled with mindfulness body exercises by The Mayo Clinic Staff:
I also decided to attach a Yoga routine to a creator on YouTube that I enjoy practicing, specific to reducing stress:
Additionally, as these suggestions involve getting up and exercising, on the other hand, simply socializing can reduce the tension from stress. Planning a coffee date or a walk-in a nearby park with a roommate can create the same outcomes as mindful meditations and Yoga routines. Increased energy and overall self-esteem will allow you to have the attention and focus to study and walk into your exams with confidence!
Attached is a link to The Visit Philadelphia website providing recommendations to exciting attractions and events to visit with friends and family!
As we enter the final week of classes and exams, it is important not to forget about friendships and your well-being. Both physical and mental health can be balanced with schoolwork simply by going the extra mile to take care of your body and mind. There are multiple resources put in place to help students through this stressful period, along with counselors and mentors. Grades and schoolwork are our biggest priorities throughout our time at college, but so are ourselves!
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