Self-Care Ideas for Reading Days + Introducing Our “Rest & Study” Raffle
Final exams are just around the corner, and we know how stressful this time can be for students. Long hours of studying, juggling deadlines, and the pressure to perform can easily take a toll on your mental and physical health. That’s why self-care is more important than ever during this period! Taking intentional breaks and prioritizing your well-being can actually boost your productivity and help you feel more in control.
To support you during this busy time, we’ve introduced an exciting activity: READING WEEK Rest & Study Raffle! Keep reading to learn more about how you can balance studying and self-care during finals while earning the chance to win some fun prizes.
Self-Care Tips for Finals Week
- Take Active Breaks Spending hours hunched over your laptop can lead to burnout. Instead, set a timer to work in 50-minute intervals, then take a 10-minute active break. Stretch, go for a walk, or try a quick yoga routine.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Nourishing Meals It’s tempting to rely on coffee and snacks, but your brain needs proper fuel to function at its best. Keep a water bottle nearby and make time for healthy meals.
- Get Enough Sleep While pulling all-nighters might seem necessary, your brain processes and stores information during sleep. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of rest each night.
- Practice Mindfulness Spend 5-10 minutes meditating or doing breathing exercises to calm your mind. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations designed for stress relief.
- Socialize (Even Briefly) Finals can feel isolating, but connecting with friends can help you recharge. Even a quick coffee break with a friend can lift your spirits.
- Enjoy a Creative Outlet Whether it’s doodling, journaling, or baking, doing something creative can help you unwind and take your mind off academics.
Participate in Our “READING DAYS Rest & Study” Raffle!
We’re here to make your finals preparation more manageable—and fun! The Learning Center invites you to join our READING DAYS Rest & Study Raffle, designed to help you balance study time with self-care. Complete activities, track your progress, and win prizes along the way!
Here’s how it works:
- When: December 9–11, 2024 (Monday–Wednesday submissions)
- What to Do: Submit one picture of you studying and one picture of you taking a break each day.
- Submission Rules:
- You can submit a maximum of one entry per day from Monday, December 9, through Wednesday, December 11.
- Participants may submit up to 3 entries in total over the course of the week.
- How to Submit:
- Email your submissions to learningcenter@wustl.edu
- DM or tag us on Instagram @washutlc
- Drop by Lower Level Mallinckrodt Center, Room 144
Each submission earns you 1 daily raffle ticket, and completing all three submissions gets you 5 final prize raffle tickets! The final prize winners will be announced on Thursday, December 12, 2024, so make sure to participate each day to maximize your chances of winning.
Why Participate?
- Stay Motivated: The activity helps you build a balanced routine of studying and resting during reading week.
- Earn Prizes: Who doesn’t love the chance to win? Complete the activity to enter our raffle!
- Engage with the Campus Community: Share your journey and encourage others to practice self-care and balance.
We can’t wait to see how you take care of yourselves and tackle finals with focus and resilience. Keep an eye on our Instagram and stop by the Learning Center for more resources, tips, and updates on how we’re supporting you this finals season.
Good luck with finals, and don’t forget to prioritize YOU!