Finals week is in full swing and with the abundance of tests, papers and presentations, it can be easy to be overcome with feelings of anxiety and stress. To avoid these feelings while finishing the semester strong, follow these steps to take care of yourself physically and mentally!
1. Sleep
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Pulling all-nighters and loading yourself with caffeine will not only be detrimental to your health, but also to your grade point average. While it is recommended to get 7-8 hours of sleep, most college students will average about 4-5 during the course of finals week. Since students will spend so much time studying and staring at laptop screens, it is important for our brains to power off. In order for our brains to function at maximum efficiency, make sure to take naps and allow time for sleeping. If you end up staying up all night, take naps in between classes (the AIRC building is a favorite spot for students). Getting on a normal sleep schedule is also essential for acing all of your finals. Go to bed a couple of hours earlier than normal throughout the week so you are well rested and ready to kill it during finals week.
2. Exercise
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While it can be tempting to stay locked in a study room all day, going outside to exercise can actually boost your brain power. Working out can alleviate anxiety and stress and increase productivity. Research from Harvard has shown that physical activity promotes neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells which improves general brain performance. Fifteen minutes of cardio or aerobic exercise will boost the production of serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals will help keep you calm and focused which is necessary to do well on that final exam! Enhanced brain power has also been proven to increase energy which is needed during those long study sessions.
3. Watch Your Diet
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During finals season, we are all inclined to succumb to our craving. This means indulging in all of our favorite junk foods like; Snickers, Hot Cheetos and iced coffee. Instead of snacking on chips and candy while studying or relying on caffeine to keep you awake, turn to healthier alternatives such as nuts, dried fruit, smoothies, water, and healthy carbs. Healthy snacks, like trail mix and pretzels, will help you stay focused and keep your energy up so you can power through final exams. Personally, some of my favorite healthy snacks are Nature Valley Granola Bars and pretzels with peanut butter! If you choose to make your own snacks at home, I would recommend following recipes from the blog, “Eat This, Not That.” Their recipes are not only affordable but practical if you’re in a crunch for time. If you’re in a rush on campus, healthy snacks can be found at the Courtyard Market, the Student Store located at the University Union, or the Hornet Bookstore. If you commute, a quick (and cheap) stop to purchase healthy snacks would be Raley’s on Fair Oaks Boulevard. Raley’s has a storewide 10% discount with your Sacramento State One Card, so be sure to stop by!
Finals week can be stressful, but with these tips, you will be able to ease your anxiety and finish the semester strong!