1. GET STARTED NOW
Whether you’re already deep in the throes or your finals are still a week or two away, do yourself a favor and start studying now. Breaking up your work into more sessions of shorter length will improve your comprehension and retention, and give you less to do later.
Take a little time today to make a list and schedule out your days. It will make the big picture seem more manageable — and checking off boxes is super satisfying.
2. EXERCISE
We could talk all day about the health benefits of exercising, but stress management is definitely one of them. If you already have have an exercise routine, don’t abandon it during finals. If you don’t, it might actually be a great time to start! Going for a short walk, run, or ride can reset and refresh your brain during those high-intensity studying sessions.
3. GET SOME REST
All-nighters sometimes seem like the only option, but your body needs sleep to be able to process and retrieve information. Try to get enough sleep every night, or something close to it, and fit in a quick power nap when you can. Meditation and breathing exercises can also be good ways to give yourself a break — try getting started here or here.
4. TREAT YO SELF, BUT NOT TOO MUCH
When you’re working this hard, you deserve a reward, and sometimes your favorite Starbucks concoction is the perfect pick-me-up. But don’t overdo it on sugar and junk food. Stress often leads to binge eating and comfort snacking, which can end up making you feel worse. Balance your treats with a focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and slow-burning carbs.
5. PET A PUPPY
Your school can follow the lead of Kent State, Yale, UC Berkeley and others that have programs to bring puppies and therapy dogs to campus during finals week. If your school doesn’t already have a program like this, see what it would take to start one next semester.
You can also volunteer at a local shelter to get in on some fuzzy love while doing some good at the same time.
6. GET A MASSAGE
The stress-busting benefits of massage are well-known, so try to schedule one if you can. If you don’t have that kind of cash flow at the moment, check in with your insurance company — some plans will cover massage, especially if they’re recommended by your primary care physician.
7. TRY A MINDFULNESS APP
We’d tell you to stay off your phone, but that’s probably not gonna happen. Try using your digital time for good by downloading a new stress management or mindfulness app. There are loads of free options available — try looking into Pacifica, Buddha Board or Calm.
8. LAY OFF THE MEDS
We’re not your parents, but look, your safety and health matter. So please don’t take any sort of medication you’re not prescribed for (you know what we’re talking about). It can be dangerous. As a general rule, treating stress with a substance — whether that’s drugs or excessive caffeine — treats the symptoms, not the problem.
9. USE CAMPUS RESOURCES
It can be easy to forget that your school has systems in place to support you. Checking in with your health services center is a good place to start. Many programs are aware of the intense stress surrounding finals week and will have specific tools to help you.
Your professors are a resource, too. If you keep your communication honest and open they are often happy to give advice or make accommodations for your situation.
10. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Ultimately, stress management is about taking care of yourself, and no one knows your needs better than you do. Whatever self-care looks like for you, make it a priority and schedule time for it like you would any other responsibility. You got this.
http://college.usatoday.com/2016/12/06/10-stress-busting-tips-for-finals-week/
