Greetings Students,
As the semester comes to an end and finals are underway, you may be noticing an increase in stress and anxiety as you are finishing those last exams, papers, and projects. The staff at the Wellness Center wanted to provide you with some quick easy tips to finish the semester strong.
Get plenty of quality sleep:
- Develop a nightly routine.
- Create a relaxing environment for yourself (temperature, aroma, level of light in room, etc.).
- Avoid looking at phone, computer, and TV screens at least 30 minutes before going to sleep, as the blue light signals to your brain to be awake.
- Utilize progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing to relax your body before bed.
- Mind still racing from studying and thinking about tasks to complete or errands to run the next day? Keep a pad of paper and a pen next to your bed to physically get your thoughts out of your head, and it provides a reminder for yourself in the morning.
Eat quality nutritious food:
- Avoid excessive use of caffeine. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours, impacting your ability to sleep at night. Studies have shown that going for a quick walk or going up and down a flight of stairs a few times provides the mental boost and alertness equivalent to or greater than a cup of coffee or soda.
- Eating healthy, nutritious, well balanced meals and snacks to promote overall wellness.
- Remember to eat a nutritious breakfast to jump start your metabolism and start your morning off right.
- Have healthy snacks (fruits, vegetables, nuts, granola or protein bars) available not only during study time, but also prior to a final exam, presentation, or completing a paper as working on an empty stomach can impact one’s mental alertness and focus.
Be mindful of your mental health:
- Utilize positive self-talk to increase your intrinsic motivation. Remind yourself of your goals to assist you in feeling motivated to study and finish you final projects.
- Excessive stress can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression and can exacerbate preexisting mental health symptoms.
- Utilize positive coping skills to manage and reduce your stress and finish the semester strong.
- Make a study schedule, be sure to include short breaks to rest, have a healthy snack, and walk around to promote mental clarity and focus.
- Utilize deep breathing, imagery, mindfulness and meditation to relax and calm your mind of any stress-related or anxiety provoking thoughts.
- Engage in regular exercise, even going on a quick five minute walk once an hour can revitalize your mind and promote successful studying and productive work.
- Be sure to engage in self-care activities/hobbies to refuel your mind and body and take a break from studying or completing end of the semester projects and papers.
Stop by the Wellness Center in the Siek Campus Center, CTR 270, to seek additional support for physical or mental health concerns that will assist you in finishing the semester strong. Best of luck on final exams, papers, and projects and congratulations to our graduates of the class of 2017!
Best Wishes,
Wellness Center Staff
CTR 270
518-629-7320 — Counseling Services
518-629-7468 — Health Services
Published: Mon, 08 May 2017 12:22:33 +0000 by k.weeks