Around this time most students begin to feel the pressure of the semester building up as finals week approaches. The papers and exams start to pile up and it seems that the work will never end. Yet there are some simple ways to help get rid of some of that stress.
1. Get Organized
Create a detailed outline of everything you need to study. Sit down with a calendar and make a list of what should get done each day. Be specific in what you write, for example don’t write ‘study psychology’ write the specifics of what you need to review like ‘study concepts in chapters 3-6’. This way you know exactly what to do, and to go further you could even write out an hour by hour schedule if it helps you to stay on track. This may take some more time but staying organized helps alleviate stress because now you don’t have to panic about all the things you need to get done; you may even find out that it’s not as much as you thought.
2. Separate from everything course related.
You need to take breaks, focusing on anything for too long is not actually helpful. So make sure to take breaks, even if you have to schedule them in. Watch your favorite sitcom or movie, bake a healthy treat, indulge in some youthful crafting, or go get coffee with a friend. Whatever you decide to do make sure that it doesn’t get prolonged too much; like scrolling through Facebook or Twitter for hours. You need to take some time for yourself, but also be able to switch back to study mode.
3. Keep around healthy snacks
This includes staying hydrated and not bingeing on junk food. Keep a water bottle nearby your study area and snacks like granola bars, apple slices and peanut butter, or even lightly buttered popcorn. Although it is better to keep your snacks on the healthy side, it is good to treat yourself once and in a while. After you finish a subject go get a sweet treat or have a slice of that cheesy pizza you’ve been craving.
4. Forget the all nighters
Sleep is vital during finals week, and in general. So make sure to get the right amount of sleep for you; aim for 7 to 8 hours a night. Sometimes even a short twenty minute nap can help you focus better on your work.
5. Attend a campus event
UNH Manchester provides several activities before and during finals to help alleviate some stress. Check out what is going on in the library, years past they have brought in dogs to pet and play with for a while. In the Grotto on the first floor there are ‘mock tails’ and crafts like painting or scrapbooking when you need a study break. There are also volunteer events all year or the student lounge to hang out and watch movies or play board games with friends.
