Melanie Leite, Bridgewater State University Freshman and Commuter Lounge Employee for the Office for Commuter Services shares tips for a stress free finals week.
Getting stressed, the semester is going to be over before you know it. Finals are coming up and you feel like you don’t have time for anything. Am I right? Don’t worry fellow college students; I got a tip for you. Have you ever considered meditation? Meditation can be a stress reliever or help manage it at the least, it can help improve your concentration and healthy brain function, and get you in a better mood. Don’t know how to meditate? Try focusing on your breathing, inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds repeatedly. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Other tips to ending the semester on a good note:
1. Manage your time so you get a good night sleep: Research shows that most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Although you might want to stay up and watch that late night television show, remember your grades and health could be affected.
2. Do not wait until the last minute for assignments. Prioritize what assignments need to be tackled first. Utilize an agenda or online calendar to write down deadlines. Here are other time management tips to help reduce last minute stress.
3. Do your best to eat healthy. Breakfast the most IMPORTANT meal of the day, don’t skip it! Breakfast gives you energy for the rest of the day, so choose healthy food such as fruit, yogurt, and wholegrain breads. Also, many times during finals and stressful times it is easier to grab a greasy take-out meal or sugary snack; but be warned! These high-fat and sugary foods will only give you energy for a short time and then you will be left feeling tired.
4. Healthy relationships. Sure, we’ve all been under pressure with work and other responsibilities, but during those times it is important to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Now is not the time to start a fight with your roommate, family, or boyfriend/girlfriend…Extra stress will just distract you from your main academic responsibilities.
5. STAY POSITIVE! Even if you have a difficult finals week ahead try not to get overwhelmed by everything you have to do. If you break studying and assignments down it will seem less overwhelming. Remember, you made it this far to get into college, so keep pushing forward. And don’t forget to utilize the resources here at BSU (professors, peers, Academic Achievement Center, Office for Commuter Services etc…)
Hope these tips will help you get through these busy last few weeks of the semester. Good luck everyone!
Do you have any other helpful hints for ending the semester on a good note? Please leave a comment and let us know!