Final Exam Stress Busters

Image from registrar.pitt.edu

It's the most wonderful time of the year again! Christmas decor is up, holiday spirit is everywhere, and you're cooped up in a library with your earbuds, a Starbucks coffee, and a 30-page study guide. Final exams have to be my least favorite part of college. It's so easy to get burned out and exhausted, or to be so sick of schoolwork that you're a five-page assignment away from spontaneous combustion. I know how stressful these next two or three weeks are for so many students, so here are a few ways to handle stress and stay healthy for the holiday season:

Beat Studying Stress:

Work It Out
I know, I know. I talk about exercise a lot. But the truth is that working out is my #1 stress and anxiety buster. I think it should be referred to as "Xanaxersize," it's such an effective coping mechanism. Without a little cardio, I would be a mess of nerves covered in chocolate.
Physical activity reduces cortisol, increases prostaglandins, and gives you the energy, focus, and confidence you need to conquer that exam. Blood doesn't just pump to your muscles when you exercise, you get more circulation to your brain as well. So, having trouble concentrating and feeling sluggish? Turn up the music and show off your jazz hands! Here, I even gave you a few catchy tunes to get you started. Take your pick:






 
Take a Break
Get away from your computer screen or book for 5 to 10 minutes every 30 minutes and do something relaxing. Giving your brain a little down time between study time will help refresh your concentration. If you try to jam everything into one all-night study session, you're going to end up burned out and exhausted, and you won't absorb as much information. Let yourself have a little down time, and your brain and eyes will thank you for it!

Pamper Yourself

When we're under a lot of pressure, many of us forget to take care of ourselves. Exam week puts a student through a lot of stress and anxiety, so it's important to give yourself the chance to recover. Try out my homemade anti-inflammatory mask, take a hot shower, give yourself a pedicure, and get plenty of sleep.
This can also include making time for a relaxing hobby. I love to crochet. The stitching motion is such an old habit, it soothes me, and gives me something to do with my hands while my mind can rest. It's also a great opportunity to make Christmas gifts for friends and family while I'm taking a break! Whatever you find to be soothing and productive, give yourself a little time to enjoy it. Don't have a relaxing hobby yet? Maybe it would be a good time to start one!

Be Still
If you start to feel overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and picture yourself in a peaceful place. Imagine you're sitting by a creek, surrounded by wildlife. Listen for the water rushing by, the leaves rustling in the wind. Smell the wet earth and vegetation... It sounds corny, but this form of meditation really can help ease your panic. You could also try relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and stretching to regain your equilibrium.
I also like to listen to peaceful, tranquil music during my downtime. Explosions In The Sky is a beautiful instrumental band you might find calming:



Stay Hydrated

I don't know about you, but I usually consume a lot of caffeine before my finals, which can sometimes make me feel pretty crappy. Since caffeine is a diuretic, people who consume it are at a higher risk for dehydration. If you're dehydrated while you're studying, you're going to be distracted, lethargic, and grumpy. Dehydration also increases your risk of getting an infection, and we're right in the middle of flu season! For every 8 ounces of a caffeinated beverage you drink, try to drink another 8 ounces of water. This will help keep your fluid balance where it needs to be, so you can feel energized and focus on that study guide.

Calming Exam Nerves:

Eat a Balanced Breakfast
My nursing professors always remind us of the importance of a good breakfast. Get complex carbs and protein in your breakfast, and you'll be ready to take on the hardest of exams!

Pump Yourself Up!
Before I have an important interview or tough exam, I listen to peppy, upbeat music to boost my confidence. It helps me feel more relaxed, and distracts me from worrying about how it may or may not affect my future.

Divide and Conquer
If you have a written exam, tackle the hard questions first, then do the easy ones last. That way, you won't have as much anxiety about finishing your exam in time.
If your exam is multiple choice, try saving the hard questions for last. Other questions may give you clues or reminders that trigger that "Aha!" moment you're desperately looking for.

Seek Help
If you find that you often feel panicky and nervous before and during an exam, you might have testing anxiety. Try talking to a counselor or advisor from your school, and let the professor know that the traditional means of exam-taking is putting you at a disadvantage. Colleges have accommodations they can make for you that help you succeed.

Good luck with finals! Get some rest and take care of yourself. I'm sure you'll do great!