With exams coming up in less than two weeks, it can be hard to manage increasing stress levels and your intense study schedule. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to take the edge off and have your most successful exam season yet!
1. Take breaks
With all of the projects, papers, and tests coming up, it can seem impossible to stop working without sacrificing your grade. But as you study yourself into the ground, the quality of your work will suffer and ultimately negatively affect your grade. Take two hours to catch your favorite holiday movie on TV or head to bed an hour early and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your final chem lab or speech.
2. Work it out
Working your body instead of your brain for a while will release endorphins that relieve stress and give your mood a boost. Hit the gym for some hardcore cardio and strength training or check out one of the group fitness classes offered at both on campus gyms. Try yoga to calm you down after a long day of studying, or Zumba to pump you up for the next few weeks.
3. Make time for the things you love
There are very few people that truly enjoy nonstop studying. So do something that makes you smile! Whether it’s taking an afternoon to walk around town and take in the holiday decorations or heading into Eau Claire for a little retail therapy, the happiness boost you’ll get will make studying a little less excruciating.
4. Talk through it
When you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it can be hard to bring yourself back to earth on your own. Meet up with your girlfriends for a vent session over coffee, or call your mom for a little encouragement. You’re not alone, and reaching out to the people in your support system will give you the boost you need to make it to winter break.
5. Take a deep breath
Breath in, and breathe out. Everything will be okay. Exams will be over soon, and no matter how you end up doing, you’ll make it to winter break. Don’t sacrifice your mental health for a perfect score on all your exams; focus on finding that perfect balance so that you still do well but don’t stress yourself out to the max.
With the right skills, you’ll soar through exams and into winter break with confidence!