Do Not Panic! Ways to Relieve Stress
By: Tacita Slay
Issue date: 12/12/08 Section: Campus Life
Now is the time when everyone just wants to be with family. This is the season that requires hot chocolate and a warm fireplace. Holidays are arriving and there are a number of memories to be made. However, before that happens the end of the semester is approaching. This is the time when most students panic because they soon realized they haven't learned anything throughout the year. Luckily, there are a few simple steps that might help relax the stressed mind.
First of all, time management is extremely important especially since finals are approaching. Several students do not know how to manage their time effectively. Sure spending a number of hours on Facebook sounds more exciting than studying for biology class, but Facebook isn't going to help students graduate. If it's helpful, use a calendar to schedule times and days to study.
"It's important for students to find out if they can have a study guide or step up a time with a group of students to study together. The Learning Skills Center is also a great place to go to study before finals," Director of Advisement and Retention Ashley Douglas said.
Although a majority of the time needs to focus on classes there also needs to be a time set aside for study breaks. All the studying in the world will not be any help if knowledge overwhelms the brain. The mind is naturally designed to have entertainment.
"A good way to relieve some of the stress from finals week is by eating properly, taking study breaks, or doing something relaxing like watch TV," Douglas said.
As crazy as it might sound, sleep and exercise is a great way to calm nerves. All those times when parents told their children to go to sleep early the night before a big test was actually good advice. Not very many people can function well on three hours of sleep and it probably isn't a very good idea to attempt on the night before finals. Exams will go a lot more smoothly at a good mental state.
Also keep in mind that professors are there to help. That's their job and that's what their here for. Teachers will help some of the confusion go ago. However, don't ask them at the last minute, go after the material and notes first before going to the teacher.
Finally, have everything in perspective. Final exams are important, but the worst thing that can happen is a failing grade. The world isn't going to end and the family will not disown anyone. Excessive stress will cause insanity and might be harmful on test performance so relax as much as possible. If needed counselors and support groups are there to help.
First of all, time management is extremely important especially since finals are approaching. Several students do not know how to manage their time effectively. Sure spending a number of hours on Facebook sounds more exciting than studying for biology class, but Facebook isn't going to help students graduate. If it's helpful, use a calendar to schedule times and days to study.
"It's important for students to find out if they can have a study guide or step up a time with a group of students to study together. The Learning Skills Center is also a great place to go to study before finals," Director of Advisement and Retention Ashley Douglas said.
Although a majority of the time needs to focus on classes there also needs to be a time set aside for study breaks. All the studying in the world will not be any help if knowledge overwhelms the brain. The mind is naturally designed to have entertainment.
"A good way to relieve some of the stress from finals week is by eating properly, taking study breaks, or doing something relaxing like watch TV," Douglas said.
As crazy as it might sound, sleep and exercise is a great way to calm nerves. All those times when parents told their children to go to sleep early the night before a big test was actually good advice. Not very many people can function well on three hours of sleep and it probably isn't a very good idea to attempt on the night before finals. Exams will go a lot more smoothly at a good mental state.
Also keep in mind that professors are there to help. That's their job and that's what their here for. Teachers will help some of the confusion go ago. However, don't ask them at the last minute, go after the material and notes first before going to the teacher.
Finally, have everything in perspective. Final exams are important, but the worst thing that can happen is a failing grade. The world isn't going to end and the family will not disown anyone. Excessive stress will cause insanity and might be harmful on test performance so relax as much as possible. If needed counselors and support groups are there to help.
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