How to Best Manage your Stress During Exam Season

It’s December, which means college students around the United States are dealing with the stress of final exams. It’s the time of the year when everything feels like it’s coming crashing down. You have assignments in every one of your classes, and each assignment is a make-or-break for your final grade in the class. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. As a current sophomore in college, I’ve now been through final exams a couple of times and have figured out some tricks that help me manage my seemingly all-consuming stress. 

1. Plan out your time. This one may sound simple, but it makes a huge difference. I go onto my Google Calendar and map out which hours each day I’m going to spend studying for each class. Even if I don’t end up sticking to the schedule exactly, it gives me a guide to work off of in moments when I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
2. Move your body. Even if this looks like a 10-minute walk near your dorm at the end of the day, moving helps you clear your mind and ground yourself. I always find I’m able to be much more focused on my work if I’ve exercised in some form that day. 
3. Mix in time with friends. It’s so easy to lock yourself in the library 24/7 during this time, but this hardcore approach can be harmful. Social interaction is so important to alleviate stress and bring some joy into your life. 
4. Hold onto your regular habits. Yes, there are going to be some late nights at the library that are out of your ordinary routine. But, overall, if you can maintain a relatively normal sleep schedule and eating habits, it will help you feel your best and not spiral.
5. Utilize resources. Office hours, on-campus tutors, and teaching assistants are a few resources I’ve used that have helped me understand the material and feel the most prepared going into exams. These resources are at your school for a reason…use them!

These are just a few tips on how to keep your stress at a minimum during this hectic time of the year. Best of luck this exam season!

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