Stress levels spike before fall finals
Finals are rapidly approaching. You are paying the price for your procrastination by pulling all-nighters. While trying to decide what exams are even worth studying for, you suddenly realize you might have to skip your Thursday night ritual of watching Grey's Anatomy. Before you go nuts, take some time to relieve some stress before finals.
10. Make a Plan
Time management is absolutely critical in high stress situations like finals. Figure out exactly what you need to accomplish and write it all down. Map out your time to incorporate every chaotic minute of your day. If you are pressed for time, decide whether it is more effective to learn new material or to relearn material you already know.
9. Exercise
"Exercise is a great stress reliever," said Linda Rosskopf, a professor with the School of Applied Physiology. "It short-circuits the overwhelming feeling that comes with stress, and it clears the mind." Whether you are athletically challenged or a sports star, get rid of some of that stress by biking, running, doing yoga, going to the CRC, dancing or playing ultimate Frisbee with your friends. You burn a lot of calories, you sweat and your mind focuses on something else. Ideally, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week.
8. Eat Well
You may roll your eyes at this one, but is it important to eat well. With the end of the semester drawing near, a good diet means everything. Junk food will only exaggerate your stress. Remember, try to work in three to five servings of vegetables, two to four servings of fruits, two to three servings of meat or fish and six to eleven servings of whole grains. Eating better will make you feel better.
7. Breathe
Remember to breathe! It is surprising how effective deep breathing can be in relieving stress. Short, quick breaths will only increase your anxiety. Taking slow, deep breaths will calm you down and will help you focus. Get some oxygen to your brain, and you'll be able to tackle that English paper with ease.
6. Take a Walk
"A little change in scenery can go a long way," said Sierra Schmidt, a first-year Biochemistry major and soon-to-be tour guide. "Walking really helps me calm down and focus. It clears my mind and allows me to relax," Schmidt said.
5. Work in Study Breaks
While frantically trying to manage your time, be sure to work in a few study breaks. Take a few minutes to do absolutely nothing every couple of hours. It will get rid of your innate desire to waste an enormous amount of time.
4. Laugh
"Try to work in a little humor," Professor Rosskopf said. "Laughter is a great stress reliever to help when you're flustered." Watch some standup comedy on Youtube or pop in your favorite episode of Scrubs. If you find humor in destroying things, build Tech Tower out of Legos and then smash it! Do something that makes you laugh.
3. Listen to Music
Whether you enjoy listening to boy bands, Mozart or hip-hop, music will help you unwind. Check out the Music Listening Room (MLR) which is located on the second floor of the Student Center. With over 2000 CDs and a growing collection of DVDs, the MLR is a great place to relax and listen to your favorite tracks.
2. Take a Quick Hot Shower
With drought season upon us, it is important to conserve water. But taking a quick hot shower might help you wash away some anxiety. You will feel clean, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
1. Get Some Sleep
It is feasible, my sleep-deprived fellow Techies. While it seems like an ever distant fantasy, sleeping is not unheard of at Tech. Eight hours of sleep a night will have you feeling invigorated. Try to stay well-rested as often as possible, even if that means taking short naps throughout the day. Catch up on that beauty sleep and then get to studying.
