End-of-Semester Stress Relief
As deadlines for final projects, exams, and class papers quickly approach, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed. You can help by sharing the following end-of-semester stress-reducing tips with your student.
- Make a schedule. Even if you do not stick to it, it can help keep you on track. Being organized can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Prioritize and focus on studying. If you are pressed for time, go over big-picture concepts instead of trying to fit everything in at once.
- Remember that sleep is important. Avoid “all nighters” and try to get eight hours of sleep, although four or five are better than none. To prevent sleepless nights, de-clutter your bed and avoid studying there. If you are feeling stressed because you can’t fall asleep and know you need to, aim for relaxation instead. Try deep breathing techniques or meditation.
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise to release tension.
- Break study blocks into briefer periods (one to two hours) to help reduce stress and recall material.
- Practice being optimistic. Giving yourself a pep talk using positive affirmations or visualizing acing a test can be a great tools.
- Set reasonable short- and long-term goals and build in rewards for when the goals are met.
- Make sure to take breaks. Sometimes taking time to clear your head is the best way to retain information. Give yourself enough time to relax. Let your brain have time to process the material. Stretch. Take a walk or run. Listen to your favorite song. Set time aside to socialize and unwind.
- Think about what methods have worked for you in the past and use or modify them. Try working with a group or explaining difficult concepts to a friend. Ask your professor or TA how she or he recommends studying for the exam.
- Make a plan before your exam day to help reduce your stress that day. Find the location of your exam. Plan how you are going to get there and arrive early to give yourself extra time. Avoid the stress of not being prepared. Pack for the exam the night before. Pens, pencils, water, snacks, and other small things like this can help you feel comfortable while taking the exam.
- Take advantage of campus resources such as office hours, Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) and the Writing Center.
- Check out the resources that University Health Services (UHS) offers for stress relief and stress management. UHS also has a website dedicated to personal wellness including massage therapy, meditation, and many other resources.
This is also a great time for parents to send their students cards, packages, or other greetings to let them know that you are thinking about them. Check out the Send a Smile section of the Parent Program website for ideas and package options.