It’s that time of year again. The week of countless hours spent in the library, endless cups of coffee, and stress that can sometimes feel too overwhelming to manage. However, during this crucial time that can make or break one’s final grade, it is important to hold on to your sanity. And yes, despite evidence to the contrary, it is possible to stay sane while still passing your classes.
Here are some ways to maintain your mental health during this stressful time:
1. Study Breaks
It’s easy to tell yourself that you should be spending every waking moment burning every last bit of information into your brain, but in order to retain anything, it is essential to take study breaks. Go for a walk, grab a bite to eat, talk to a friend or family member on the phone. Anything to give your brain a short break from studying and some time to absorb all the information you’ve been taking in.
2. Exercise
Exercise is almost any form can relieve a lot of stress. Stretch, take a walk, do some yoga. It will your sense of well-being and can improve your mood, sleep, and concentration. Studies have shown that sustaining physical fitness can help maintain mental fitness.
3. Eat Nutritiously
Eating healthy, nutritious food is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress. As tempting as it is, avoiding sugary drinks, energy drinks, and even coffee may help to stabilize your stress levels. Junk foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates and lack vitamins and minerals may induce stress. If possible, fill up on vegetables, fruits, yogurt, soup, and herbal products to keep your stress at bay. Try not to skip meals- hunger is just another obstacle to keep you from concentrating.
4. SLEEP!
Rather than viewing this as just another nagging voice telling you to catch up on your rest, think of this as a very important preparation step that will help you succeed on your exams. Sleep is necessary to function, and is a great recharging tool when you are feeling drained. Sleep can affect one’s memory, judgment, and stress levels, so it’s absolutely vital to get some shut eye before going in to take your finals.
5. Meditate
Meditation can instill a sense of relaxation and peace within your mind, which can be very helpful during this time of high stress and anxiety. Deep-breathing exercises can help with tension and nervousness. There is evidence that meditation can improve one’s self-awareness, emotional well-being, and overall health.
6. Dance it out
Getting your body moving releases mood-lifting endorphins. Similar to other types of exercise, this type of physical movement can help you relax and focus better, but it can also just brighten up your day and increase your energy levels.
7. Laugh
Yes, when you’re this stressed out it can be hard to find the humor in things, but LOLing can actually cause positive physical changes in your body. It will soothe tension and ease some of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter can help improve your mood and lessen feelings of depression and anxiety.
8. Stay positive
Thinking negatively about yourself or your situation can really take a toll on your mood and even your health. Attempting to stay optimistic can have a large impact in one’s actions and performance. If you’re having a hard time looking at the bright side, write a list of your favorite things right now. Gaining a positive attitude can have physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
9. Go outside
Many people say being in our natural element (the outdoors) is a great mood booster. However, recent research has proven this to be more than just a viewpoint. Scientists say that people who spend more time outdoors have lower stress levels than those who do not. Take advantage of any opportunity to get outside and relieve your stress.
10. Stop by Living Well in the Davis Center
Living well at UVM provides many opportunities to relax and relieve some stress on a daily basis, but during finals week they take it to another level. Tucker the Therapy Dog is making several guest appearances, free food will be present, and therapeutic activities are taking place throughout the next couple of days.
Whatever methods you may chose, make sure they’re helping you find your inner peace during this time of high stress.
Good luck on your exams!