Finals week, essay deadlines, project submissions, the end of another semester — we face a slew of demanding and stressful situations; it's easy (and natural) to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. While it's crucial to prioritize these important tasks, taking a break every now and then is equally essential for maintaining one's well-being. Here is a list of The Gazelle’s recommendations to practice self-care during finals week, on a finals week budget!

I recommend sitting in John Sexton Square on campus past midnight. Recently it has been so silent and serene. Despite its centrality on campus, it is a wonderful place to tune away from all obligations. Read a library book, drink a steaming cup of chamomile tea, free-write, watch your favorite comfort movie on a laptop...and you’ll find that time does not exist.

Walk along the beach at Al Mamsha, hit the gym or campus swimming pool, and do a digital detox with meditation workshops on campus..

One of the simplest joys in life is sitting in one of the internal gardens on the ground floors of either A1 or A6 and reading a book. You get the best of both worlds: some sun and fresh air and the privacy of a closed space. If you can't really make the trip to a park somewhere in the city, this is the best way to relax surrounded by some semblance of nature.

Face/eye masks from the C-store, they're so rejuvenating and take only 5 minutes (even better if you make it a group activity).

Remember, the last stretch is often the hardest, but you have done it so far. Here’s to making it through one more year of college!