Have A Stress-Free Finals Week

Spring break was both a blessing and a curse for me. I transitioned to break mode and never switched back. If you are anything like me, your mind is focused on the summer, and your motivation isn’t where it needs to be right now. There are small things you can do in the weeks leading up to finals so you can be stress-free during exam week.    

Unfortunately, stress is inevitable. Stress has been linked to health issues such as hair loss, migraines, muscle pain, ulcers and infections, and even cardiovascular disease. Although stress might seem impossible to handle at times, there are ways to deal with it. Follow these tips and you’ll have a much easier time coping with finals.
   

1. Start studying now.

Finals might not be until May, but procrastinating and cramming will lead to stress as well as a poor grade and exhaustion. Start reading one or two chapters for a certain class every day. In doing this, you will learn the topics more effectively because you will be reading it more calmly. The material will be in your head longer, giving you a better likelihood of remembering it on the exam. This will also save you from an all-night study session hours before the exam. If you have a final project, start working on it now. Then when finals are here, all you’ll need to work on will be the finishing touches.

2. Eat well to do well.

Healthy eating affects every aspect of your body. Drinking large quantities of caffeine and eating foods containing a lot of sugar will cause your body to create excess insulin. After the sugar rush, your brain will get tired, and you will lose your focus. Try replacing that venti caramel macchiato and Snickers bar with almonds, sunflower seeds, bananas and whole grains. These foods have natural sugars and complex carbohydrates to give you more sustained energy. You can also eat more poultry and fish, which contain an amino acid that helps in mental health and memory.

3. Get up and move.

Make time to get some exercise every day. Getting up and exercising has been proven to improve motivation and energy, plus it will reduce your stress level and tiredness. As if those aren’t reasons enough, exercise promotes better sleep, which will help you focus, stay alert and retain what you read.

4. Catch those Z’s.

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Feeling wakeful and alert will help your memory gain new knowledge and retain the information. People who are more tired cannot efficiently retain information. If you need a power nap, go for it! Just try not to exceed 20 to 25 minutes. Another tip: dim the lights and turn off electronics (yes, even your phone!) an hour before bedtime.  

5. Take a break once in a while.

It can’t be all work and no play all the time, right? Take a break to get your mind back to where it needs to be. Listen to some music, watch an episode of your favorite show, go to the Rec or get your nails done. These little rewards will help clear your mind and will make you feel refreshed and motivated later.

 
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23052850/ns/health-behavior/t/strategies-more-restful-nights-sleep/#.T5gma8RWqIU
http://livestrong.com
http://www.stress.org/topic-effects.htm