With college finals coming up over the next few weeks, here are a few suggestions to help manage stress and finish the semester strong!
- Get plenty of sleep. While you may think that pulling an all-nighter will be helpful to study for an exam, numerous studies have shown the importance of getting a proper amount of sleep in order to retain information and improve concentration. Less sleep will make it harder to remember the information you are studying and can also increase stress levels. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and limit caffeine intake later in the day.
- While studying for exams, consider the foods you are eating. Make sure you are fueling your body with nutritious foods including fruits, vegetables, and protein. Snacks like berries, nuts, avocado and dark chocolate will help keep you energized and healthy. Also make sure to stay hydrated- drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take mindful breaks while studying to help manage your stress. Breaks can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour long. Take some mindful breaths, meditate, exercise, or go for a walk. An intentional break will refresh your mind, increase your energy and help you focus on the material better.
- Make sure there are minimal distractions around you. Cellphones alone can be a big distraction. It can be helpful to put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or keep your phone at a distance to limit distractions from social media and text messages.
- Consider your study space. It is best to sit at a table or desk, have proper lighting, and a quiet environment. Have any supplies you might need within reach-including textbooks, notes, highlighters and pens.
- Create a study group with friends from your classes. Study groups can be helpful for keeping you accountable, solving problems together, comparing notes and clarifying any confusions you might have about the subject.
- Avoid Procrastination. Putting off studying by doing other things like shopping, hanging out with friends or watching Netflix will only lead to more stress in the long-run. Following the previously mentioned suggestions and holding yourself accountable by remembering it your responsibility to complete assignments and put your best effort into your classes. If you need help holding yourself accountable, ask a friend or family member to check in on your goals and progress. Reward yourself after you reach your goal by doing what you enjoy- it will feel a lot better watching Netflix when you don’t have the stress of studying or doing work over your head.
“An hour of studying with a healthy mind is worth two hours of studying in a fog.”
Good Luck- You got this!