So for some schools, like UCR, it is midterm season. I know right, school just started 4 weeks ago and we are already having major exams. This is the struggle of being on a quarter system. Some people dive into midterm season differently. It also affects everybody in a different way. But for the most part, everyone can agree, that it can cause a lot of stress on your body. So I am going to give you 5 ways to stay calm and not stress yourself out during the unavoidable season.
(Photo by Student Unions & Activities on University of Minnesota)
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Get started ahead of time:
That is probably the smartest advise anyone could have ever told me. If you start studying the day before the midterm, there is a higher chance of you not doing well then if you could have started studying earlier. It also allows you to give yourself enough time to talk to your professor, or TA, about anything you did not understand.
2.Breathe and Stretch:
Taking a break and moving around has been proven to help when trying to study or do any work. Sitting idle for too long in one place, can cause you to lose focus and cause your body to become tired. And if you’re like me, once I feel like tired I just have to go to bed. So before getting that feeling, set a timer and get up and stretch your muscles. This will allow you to recharge and refocus.
3. Take a break:
I understand that getting that A is important, but so is your health. Breaks while studying can really help you. If you start to feel that you have too much going on, just take a break and do something you enjoy for a little bit. Make sure you do set a timer, or something, to keep you on track. But the body does need breaks. During your break you could: watch a show, workout, go eat, doing a face mask, and many other things. As long as it gives your brain a break from working.
4.Talk to someone:
If you are started to get too stressed out, it is good to talk to someone. Talking out how you feel can really help. Because now you’re not in it alone. Talk to your friends. They can most likely come up with ways to help you, maybe help you study, or help you with taking that much-needed break. Even if there is nothing they can do to help, it does help you to talk and let out how you’re feeling.
5.Go to sleep:
It is very simple but the most important. Most people during midterms and finals season pull “all-nighters.” That is not healthy for your body and can actually cause you to perform worse on tests and assignments. This brings me back to number one, which was get started ahead of time. If you start preparing well in advance, that it will allow you to have time to sleep also. If you really want to succeed you mind and body needs to be well rested. I know it simple, but it is the most ignored tip: go to bed.
Hopefully, these tips help you out when you start to feel stressed out during midterms. Good luck to everyone taking exams!