The end of the semester is approaching, which means finals’ week is almost here. This is often the most stressful time in a college student’s life.  Here are some tips to help relieve your stress. 

Exercise. Exercising increases your endorphins, which can improve your mood and calm your over-active mind.  All you need is 15-30 minutes of exercise a day.

Eat. Students are often quick to grab unhealthy food during finals’ week since you’re in a time crunch.  Make sure to eat foods that are healthy and nutrient rich to fuel your brain and energize you.  Reaching for that candy bar or basket of fries?  Junk food can affect your concentration and memory.

Hydrate. Your brain works more efficiently when it’s hydrated.  Dehydration can make you tired and cause headaches.  Caffeine also dehydrates you more.  So put down that coffee and drink more water.

Sleep. Many college students pull all-nighters.  If you plan to pull an all-nighter, take a nap to ensure that your body gets the sleep it needs.  Sleep can help improve the quality and retention of studying.

Take breaks. Studying for long periods of time does not help you retain information.  Your brain needs time to absorb what it has learned.  Use short breaks to exercise, eat, nap, socialize, spend time with your kids, etc.

Find a study space. A clean desk space can declutter your mind and help you focus.  Get away from all your distractions, e.g. kids, roommates, etc.  Go to the library or your local café and find a quiet and organized place to study.

Call someone. Take a break and have a chat with a parent, significant other, or friend. Sometimes verbalizing your stress helps to decrease your anxiety.

Don’t procrastinate. Don’t wait until the last minute to write your research paper or finish your project. Most instructors provide the due dates ahead of time.

Use study groups. Reviewing material with your classmates can help you learn it better. 

Say no to social media. Using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. can only increase your stress levels since it wastes time and leads to procrastination.  

For more helpful tips, read “It’s the Final Countdown – College Students Give Tips on How to Manage Stress During Finals” by Kayla Hedman.