Midterms are happening, and that means our inner monologue about how much we aren’t ready for them has begun and started encroaching on our daily activities. Midterms are like that clingy ex-boyfriend who won’t take a hint. We didn’t like it last time and no, we don’t want you to come around again. But it’s not that they listen to us, because without fail, midterms reappear every semester. And unlike a super clingy, borderline stalker ex-boyfriend, we can’t get a restraining order on midterms. We have to put on our big girl panties and get to work. While we’re working on passing those exams, we also gotta remember to work on ourselves and not let our health (physical and mental) get too low. We need to be in the best shape if we’re going to stay levelheaded throughout these next couple of weeks (months, really). So here are some tips to help you manage that stress that is bound to come with midterms.
Tip Number 1 – Take the time to eat. We all know that type of person (and maybe it’s us) who will hole themselves up in Swem for the next eternity without giving ourselves breaks to do anything, especially eat. We think “Maybe if I had stayed caught up on reading I’d have actual time to eat right now, but I gotta read these 100 chapters before tomorrow.” No. What we should be thinking is “my body can only thrive if I give it the nutrients needed to keep going.” Our bodies’ needs shouldn’t be ignored when we’re trying to study our butts off. Allow yourself to take a well-deserved break and go eat some food that’s not just chips, candy, or whatever else the vending machines will give you.
Tip Number 2 – Exercise. It’s not a mystery or secret that exercising will reduce stress levels. Instead of believing you’re wonder woman who can speed through thousands of chapters in two nights, give your mind a break from the work by getting some exercise. This can be accomplished anywhere: Go to the gym if you’re close enough, walk up and down the stairs a couple times in Swem, take a small walk on campus, or do some stretches on the floor. Any of these things will help reduce your stress level because you’re able to take your mind off the work you’re doing and focus on your breathing and exercise.
Tip Number 3 – Pace yourself. This is the least listened to advice. We’re busy people, so we don’t see the point in starting to study for an exam today when it’s not even until next week, besides, we haven’t finished covering all the material, right? Wrong. It’s good to start reviewing the material, even if you haven’t finished covering what will be on the exam. This is because if you start now, you won’t be as stressed when the day before the exam arrives. Create a schedule and set aside time each day to go over your notes, create flash cards, or even meet with a study group. Dividing your work among 7 days rather than 2 will help you feel less pressure about the studying you’re doing when you get down to the last two days.
Tip Number 4 – Breathe. This seems like a strange one, but I assure you, it’s not. In all that time you spend studying and eating and pacing yourself, you’re bound to forget to breathe and take breaks. And you might think “aren’t eating and exercising taking breaks?” The answer is no. Those are things you need to do to take care of your body while studying for midterms. Taking breaks means closing your books or pushing your chair back for five minutes. Take bathroom breaks (and don’t rush yourself), pull your phone out and text a friend or your mom, browse Yik Yak for a bit. But be sure to set yourself a 5-10 minute timer so that you don’t get too distracted and then end up not returning to your work.
Tip Number 5 – Talk to someone. If things become too much or even if you need a break take the time to talk to a friend about your stress. Talking through your problems can be helpful because you’re not having to handle them all by yourself. If you feel like you’re in way over your head, try talking to a counselor at the Counselling Center. Mental health is a serious and important thing. Don’t let it go uncared for. And it’s not a bad thing if you feel the need to talk to a counselor. Admitting you need help is a big step on its own and something you should be proud of for voicing. Don’t feel like you have to deal with all your problems by yourself. There are PLENTY of people on this campus and even off campus that love you and just want the best for you.
Good luck, and remember, have faith in yourself. Don’t give up before you even get a chance to try. Midterms are a time to show your professors what you’ve learned and what you know, even if half the time you feel like you’re BSing your way through essays and short answers, at least you know what you’re talking about.