Less Stress, More Success

It is almost time for final exams! This is when all of the knowledge and skills you have gained this semester are evaluated and put to the test. Just thinking about finals week may give you anxiety. Although some anxiety and stress is actually ideal since it is a motivator, an excessive amount can hinder you from performing your best. It is important to find the balance between not caring at all and being overly tense, anxious, and stressed. The main contributor to finding this balance is self-control, where you have authority over your emotions, desires, and behaviors. The self-control of behaviors will be the main focus to combat stress during finals week. Here are some behaviors that will help alleviate stress:

• Use a planner to schedule studying, exams, and down time and stick to it!
  • Scheduling ahead helps you commit to and stay on task. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed with everything at once.
• Exercise and drink plenty of water.
  • Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to squeeze in, but it increases blood flow and releases endorphins, relieving stress and refreshing your mind. You can even study while exercising. Staying hydrated will decrease fatigue and reduce blood pressure.
• Remember to eat healthy meals.
  • That hot pocket may seem enticing and you may even feel like you don’t have time for a meal, but eating unhealthy foods affects your study habits and exam results. Eat at regular intervals and don’t skip a meal. Vegetables, fruits, and proteins should be your first go-to, but dark chocolate, in moderation of course, can be very beneficial.
• Eat a light meal prior to your exam.
  • Feeling full during your exam will help keep you focused. Being over-full can make you uncomfortable or sleepy. Stop by the Libby Alvis Dining Hall and eat a light, healthy meal before the big test!
• Sleep! Do not pull an all-nighter.
  • Your memory is better when you are well rested and it keeps your immune system strong.
• Keep your caffeine intake under control.
  • Coffee can help jumpstart your day and keep you focused, but use moderation. If you desperately need a boost, use other sources of caffeine such as tea.
• Take breaks while studying in a beneficial environment and limit distractions.
  • Face-to-face social interactions and exercising outside of the studying environment are the best ways to take breaks. Limit distractions by studying in a productive area and turning off social media notifications. Studies have found that social media breaks can actually increase stress and decrease your learning effectiveness.
• Use your resources and ask for help if needed.
  • Be sure you are studying the right material for the exam. Use your lecture notes, textbooks, and previous quizzes and tests. Attend all extra study sessions available! It’s amazing how many students skip scheduled review sessions; this is a serious mistake, as there are often clues about what will be on the exam. Contact your professor if you have any questions but make sure not to wait until the last minute. The Joseph F. Marsh Library will be open 24/7 during finals week and the Academic Success Center will be available during normal hours.

Be on the lookout for stress relieving activities offered by Concord University and other organizations during finals week. Take advantage of these activities and work towards finding the healthy and ideal stress level!