Wellness Wednesday: Happy Final’s Week.
Well It’s officially finals week in Oxford—happy holidays to all who celebrate.
Now, I did get lucky this semester and only have one final (thank you, academic gods), but of course, it had to be on Thursday, which feels cruel and unusual in its own special way. Still, with just over a week left of school and only 9 days until I head home, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to finish this semester, not just academically, but emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Lately, I’ve felt like I’m juggling school stress, a busy social calendar, and even summer job planning like I’m in the circus… minus the applause. I’ve been so wrapped up in what’s next that I kind of forgot to enjoy what’s now.
So this week, I’m hitting pause. No, I’m not skipping my final (don’t worry, Mom). But I am trying to show up for myself in small, simple ways.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Drinking way more water (like, actually refilling my water bottle and not just carrying it around like a fashion accessory)
- Eating meals that fuel me instead of just snacking my way through the day
- Sitting in the sunshine or taking a walk on campus when things start to feel heavy
- Reminding myself to look around—because this time of year on campus is actually really beautiful
But let’s be honest for a second. Finals feel different when you realize just how much each class costs. Sometimes I catch myself spiraling into this mindset that borderline grades aren’t an option – because I’m not paying thousands of dollars to coast through college. That pressure can build up fast, and it’s so easy to psych yourself out if you don’t hit the marks you hoped for.
The reason I’m writing all this is because last night, as I was lying in bed, I started thinking about my future summer self—and how disappointed she might be if I ended one of my classes with a B. And then I paused and thought… Why am I even letting that be the thought that keeps me up at night? Why is my imaginary future self already disappointed about a grade that doesn’t define me?
It’s my last weekend in Oxford. I want to be here. I want to live in this moment. So I’m reminding myself—and you, if you need it too—to control what you can control. Study hard, yes. Give it your all. But also take care of your mind, your body, and your soul. Do your best and then let that be enough.
Sometimes, when the days feel black and white and I’m just going through the motions, the best thing I can do is simply step outside and let the sunshine (or even just a little breeze) remind me that life is still happening—and it’s still kind of magical.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stuck in your own head this week—this is your reminder (and mine) to step outside, breathe deep, and smell the flowers. We’re almost there. You’ve got this.
