After months of waiting, spring has finally arrived, and along with it, finals season. Just as the trees start to bloom and the days stretch longer, academics can take over and pull students back inside, away from the world when it's most alive.
Finals season can be stressful, and with reason. Pressures from deadlines, tests and projects, combine with the stress of constant productivity. For many students, their days end up being spent indoors on homework, instead of enjoying time outside. After a while, it’s easy to feel completely disconnected from the nature around us.
Although finals are necessary, taking time to sneak a little nature into your routine is equally as important. Not only can it help you stay connected to the world, but it make this stressful academic season feel more manageable.
One of the most obvious ways nature is already part of most people’s routine is in the walk between classes each day.
While walking, it can be easy to put on your headphones and tune everything out, but instead, challenge yourself to take them off and observe the world around you. Taking a moment to listen to nature can brighten your day more than you would think it would. Research shows natural sounds can help restore mood and recenter your focus, which is especially helpful during busy days of running from class to class.
For even more outdoor time, consider taking a slightly longer route to class, giving you more time to reflect and enjoy campus. IU is known for its beautiful campus, and as students, we should take advantage of that in the little moments we have in our days.
With a busy schedule, it can be hard to find time to add anything extra. So when it comes to nature, working it into things you already do can be a great way to add a little green to your day.
This can also look like making a small effort to eat outside when you can, like bringing a snack or lunch and sitting on a campus bench instead of staying at a desk or in the dining hall. It can also mean choosing to exercise outside, finding scenic paths to run or walk rather than using the treadmill at the gym.
It doesn’t have to be a big change, just small shifts in activities you already do.
If you’re someone like me, finding time in a busy schedule to actually enjoy nature can feel difficult. One approach I’ve found helpful is choosing activities that are productive while also being outside. Volunteering is a great example of that, and there are a lot of opportunities in Bloomington that connect to nature.
Some groups that offer great outdoor volunteer experience are ReWild, the Parks and Recreation department for the city and Habit for Humanity.
Although making changes in your schedule to include more nature helps, changing your mindset is the most important aspect. It’s important to be intentional with your time outside and really notice the beauty in the world around you.
A tip that has helped me be more intentional in nature is setting a goal each day to notice one thing outside. It can be something as simple as a flower, the weather or even a squirrel. Taking a moment to observe it and stay mentally present with whatever you choose gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate those outdoor moments.
A fun activity that fits into this idea is taking a picture of your “one thing” each day like a flower and keeping track of it with a friend, then sharing what you both notice with each other. This can be a nice way to connect, while also encouraging each other to notice nature more.
Finals season and student life in general will always be busy, but even in the middle of deadlines, busy days and rushing to exams, it is still important to pause and appreciate the world outside. Taking small moments each day between classes will help recenter yourself and leave you feeling more grounded.
