My senior year of high school my friends and I were talking about our first impressions of each other, and one person told me that their first impression of me was that I was stressed. Every single person nodded their head in agreement. I don’t know if I am less stressed now, or if I am just better at hiding it (honestly it’s probably the latter). Either way, here are five tips to be less stressed, especially around finals season.
1. Make a to-do list in order of priority.
Priority falls under two categories: first due and most important. For example, you may have a chapter due Monday, but an exam on Wednesday. The exam, clearly, is a priority. However, do not fall into the “I can do it later” trap, because then you will have six readings to do for an exam the next day. You will also feel less stressed when you tick something off your to-do list.
2. Schedule in a break for meals.
I know what you’re thinking, “Who forgets to eat?” A college student stressed out of her mind, that’s who. Schedule yourself to do homework from 4-7 pm, and then 8-12. That way you have a nice break to freshen up. You may also be thinking, “Who takes an hour to eat a meal?” Ask anyone who has had a meal with me.
3. Walk down the hall and talk to someone.
This is a tricky one, especially if your five minute conversations turn into half hour conversations, but it can be really helpful. I know when I am studying all day and someone walks into the room I scream, “Human contact!” Make sure you get some of that.
4. Change locations.
This is super easy to do when you get a meal. For example, do work after breakfast, then when you go to get lunch take your stuff and go to the library or Case Center. That way you can refocus in a new space and feel social.
5. Dance.
Call me “Shonda Rhimes” all you want, but dancing honestly de-stresses me so much. Even just a little body twist or mouthing the words can distract you long enough to de-stress, but you are still in your seat looking at your homework.
Good luck on these last few weeks of the semester!