Can you believe it? Finals Week is ALREADY HERE!
This is the time for every UCF student where nights of studying late, attending lectures, collaborating on group projects, and checking Webcourses 24/7 finally pays off. However, Finals Week is also where students tend to make not the best health decisions. This is where I come in!
As I enter my fourth year, one fact about UCF is clear: this school cares for it's students. There are countless resources available to students during Finals Week to keep us healthy and happy (did someone say relaxation chair?!). Keep reading to see some of these resources, and my own personal tips for being a Healthy Knight during finals!
Don't Drink Coffee
Guys. I honestly feel this struggle so much. When hours of staring at notes loom ahead, all I want to do is run to the on-campus Dunkin' Donuts and order a large iced latte with extra espresso. But this is so not good for you! Coffee causes us to crash. Fast. And hard. Instead of risking a mid-exam energy dive, drink water instead! This is a liquid that your body and mind actually need. Trust me, your grade (and wallet) will thank you later.
Do Drink a Smoothie!
If you're going to spend money on a drink, pick a smoothie over your favorite coffee! Smoothie King has two locations on campus (the Student Union and RWC), both of which serve an array of healthy, filling smoothies and snacks to power you through the week! But be careful in your choice, and stick to the smoothies made with stevia sweetener (for less sugar), healthy fruits, and low-fat milk/milk substitutes. Pro Tip: Visit either location on Fridays to get a medium smoothie for just five dollars! Treating yo self without breaking the bank? Sounds good to me!
Take a Yoga Class
I cannot stress enough the importance of exercise during Finals Week. Doing so lets you re-focus your mind, release endorphins, spend time with friends, and simply feel good about yourself (even after a rough exam)! The UCF Recreation and Wellness Center offers an array of group exercise classes during finals week, including fun yoga sessions!
Make sure to pre-register on the RWC website to secure your spot. The full schedule is listed here: http://rwc.sdes.ucf.edu/files/262?type=.pdf
Find a Good Study Spot
Which, given our GORGEOUS campus, isn't hard at all! The library and Student Union are obvious choices for many study sessions, but the inside lighting isn't all that good for your eyes. Trust me and my bad eyesight on this one.
Instead, take a break from the AC and crowded tables for some outside studying! A lot of spots around campus are even Wifi-accessible, but sadly don't include outlets (*cry*). Some of my picks for outside studying include:
- The patio outside the second-floor of the RWC.
- The chairs and awnings in front of CFE Arena.
- The shady garden by the Burnett Honors College.
- The tables outside the Student Union.
- The UCF Reflection Pond lawn.
- The UCF Breezeway tables and sofas.
Try a Relaxation Station
I first discovered this secret resource while walking through the UCF Wellness and Health Promotion office one day after working out. It confused me how a chair could relax someone, but then I did some research. According to the UCF WHPS website, Relaxation Stations use "the HeartMath Inner Balance™ App and sensor with any iOS device." They can help you:
- Be less reactive, think clearly and make good decisions
- Improve health, stamina and well-being
- Maintain personal balance and avoid stress and burnout
- Maximize creativity and innovation
- Boost performance and overall intelligence
- And other sweets benefits!
Want to try it yourself? Find a campus station near you!
Above all, I want to end by saying that I believe in EACH of you! UCF grows us to be BIG thinkers, dreamers, and doers capable of anything. Remember this truth as you enter Finals Week, graduate, and live life. You are able to do anything and more when you trust yourself!
As always: CHARGE ON!
I hope you enjoyed my latest blog post!
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~Beyond Words~