As essays and exams come to an end, many students find themselves faced with an abundance of free time. After weeks or even months of intense studying, suddenly having so much time on your hands can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. However, this period of freedom offers a valuable opportunity for us, students, to recharge, relax, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment! 
-
Rest and Recharge: First and foremost, take the time to rest and recharge your batteries. Finals season can be physically and mentally exhausting, so prioritize self-care activities such as getting plenty of sleep, eating nourishing meals, and engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
-
Reflect on Your Accomplishments: Use this time to reflect on your academic achievements over the past semester. Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small, and take pride in the hard work and dedication you put into your studies. Reflecting on your accomplishments can boost your confidence and motivation moving forward.
-
Pursue Your Passions: Now is the perfect opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests that may have taken a backseat during the busy academic semester. Whether it’s painting, playing music, gardening, or hiking, engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to express yourself creatively.
-
Explore New Activities: Use this time to try out new activities or hobbies that you’ve been curious about but haven’t had the chance to explore. Take a cooking class, learn a new language, join a sports team, or volunteer in your community. Exploring new activities can broaden your horizons, boost your confidence, and help you discover new passions.
-
Connect with Friends and Family: Take advantage of your free time to strengthen your relationships with friends and family. Plan a movie night, organize a picnic in the park, or simply spend quality time catching up with loved ones. Building and nurturing social connections can provide much-needed support and companionship after the stress of finals.
-
Stay Active and Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active and prioritizing physical well-being. Take regular exercise, whether it’s going for a run, attending a fitness class, or taking a leisurely walk in nature. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
-
Plan for the Future: Use this time to plan for the future and set yourself up for success in the coming months. Update your resume, start researching internship or job opportunities, or begin outlining your goals for the next academic semester. Taking proactive steps towards your future can help you feel empowered and motivated.
-
Embrace Rest and Relaxation: Finally, embrace the opportunity to simply rest and relax without feeling guilty. Allow yourself to enjoy downtime without constantly feeling the need to be productive. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, taking a bubble bath, or binge-watching your favorite TV show, prioritize activities that help you unwind and recharge.
Basically, the period of free time after finals offers us, students, a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and pursue activities that bring joy and fulfillment. I know it may feel weird at first, having all this free time after being overwhelmed with university work. But this is the time that you’re supposed to enjoy and do everything you wanted to do while suffering through exams and essays 
After all those essays and exams, having free time feels like a whole new world