Finals can be a tough time to take care of yourself, especially if you’re always inside stu(dying)…
I know, even the sound of the word “finals” seems to send a burst of anxiety running through us. It’s expected that you will be stressed, but it’s important to remain healthy, and focus on your mental well-being, during this busy time. Here are some quick tips on how to manage your stress during finals:
- Exercise. It’s important to increase the flow of dopamine to your brain to help calm your nervous system and energize you. Even 15-20 minutes can discharge the angst in your body.
- Sleep. Stats show that the more sleep you get the better you’ll do (pulling all nighters won’t help you). Sleep is what enhances our memory and solidifies what you’ve learned and keeps you able to have clear focus.
- Don’t forget to eat healthy & fuel your brain with fruits, veggies, lots of lean protein and Omega 3’s (salmon, sushi, blueberries, nuts).
- Plan ahead. Write in your planner and organize how, when, where, and for how long, you will study. Do not trust your memory. It has enough to deal with. If you don’t book the time, it won’t happen. Don’t wait until you feel motivated to study. Avoid procrastination-it only makes the anxiety worse in your head. Think instead of the relief you’ll feel when completed and checked off your list. Book the reward of a walk or Starbuck’s if you get too overwhelmed to calm your brain from obsessing.
Don’t think of it as finals. Reframe it as the finale of all your hard work.
