Finals season is coming up, which inevitably brings stress to students. As a student, you often juggle a packed schedule of exams, research papers, assignments, and other commitments at home or at work. When you are busy, it can be challenging to prioritize taking care of yourself, and you may feel like you are regressing in your ED recovery.
By: Elizabeth Low
So, here are five suggestions on how to get through finals and continue to prioritize your recovery:
Try to Schedule and Plan if Possible
It is crucial to allocate time for meals even with a busy schedule. However, be gracious with yourself if you are hard-pressed for time. It is okay to deviate from your regular school, work, or eating routine. However, you still need to nourish yourself properly to get through the day and do your best. Making a plan or discussing adjusting your schedule with your treatment team can be helpful before finals begin.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is essential during finals season, and always. Sleep will help you remember your materials better and feel more energized to cope during the day. Work on getting consistent, regular sleep.
Prepare Food Ahead of Time
Prepare food during breaks to make meal times more manageable. Or have some simple meals and snacks ready when you need a quicker option. You could even scout out some stores or restaurants to stop by for food in a pinch. This way, you will not be stuck without meals when life gets busy.
Make Time for Yourself
This time of year is often associated with high-stress levels. Employ positive coping skills and avoid using food to cope negatively, whether restricting or bingeing. Reach out to loved ones who can support you during this time. When you can, spend some time unwinding without passing judgment. You need and deserve time to rest and relax. If this doesn’t feel like enough, look to your support team to help navigate the stress in your life.
Celebrate After Your Finals are Over
Once finals are over, it is normal feel drained. Make sure you congratulate yourself on getting through this ordeal. Even if you feel that your school work could have been better or that your recovery was stagnant, be proud of yourself for getting through.
This is a busy time for students. Between preparing for exams, packing belongings to go home for winter break, wrapping up the semester, and navigating recovery, there is a lot of added stress. Hopefully, with the help of these tips, getting through finals feels more doable. Above all, make sure to check in with your treatment team. Be compassionate with yourself no matter how finals season goes for you. Remember, grades and academic performance do not define who you are.
The end of the semester and the transition home can be challenging for someone struggling with an eating disorder. Let BALANCE help you set the stage for lasting recovery while home from school. Our 12-day winter intensive program can help you jump-start your recovery. Our exclusive winter eating disorder treatment program fits conveniently within your winter break schedule, allowing you to invest in transformative care. Connect with our admissions team and learn more about our 12-day winter intensive program here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Low (she/her).
Elizabeth is currently finishing her sociology degree with a concentration in social interaction and a minor in psychology at San Jose State University. During her undergraduate studies she has volunteered and worked in childcare, and in the food industry. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition or Counseling. She hopes to actively counteract social messaging that is linked to disordered eating, overexercise, and body dissatisfaction. Her interests include cooking, childcare, education, research, and writing. She plans to help individuals have a healthy relationship with food and their body image through counseling in the future.
