Papers. Presentations. Projects. These are just a few of the scary words currently circulating campus.
Major stress can and will arise as the end as the semester nears. Luckily, we have eight useful study tips that will help prevent you from having a mental breakdown.
First, and most importantly, get real. Before you get worked up and stressed out about one assignment or test, just remember one assignment or test is not a life or death situation.
Katina Cotton, senior and communications major, says, “I don’t stress because I know in the end it will all be worth it.”
Second, just say no. For some students, saying no can be a difficult task. Believe it or not, we as humans are not capable of doing everything, all the time. Only agree to tasks outside of your regular schoolwork (e.g. fundraisers, extra shifts at work, etc.) if you know that you will actually have time for them. Over-committing is a sure-fire way to create unnecessary stress.
Third, prioritize. Tackle your most important assignments first. Once your hardest and most stressful assignments are finished, the easier assignments will be a breeze to complete.
Fourth, be consistent. Studying at the same time and in the same place every day makes it easier to get into a regular study routine.
Fifth, give yourself a break. It is easy to get burned out when tackling major assignments. Take a 10 to 15 minute break for every 30 to 60 minutes of studying to relax and recharge.
Weston Slaton, senior and political science major, says, “When I become stressed, I remember to take a lot of breaks when studying and to simply breathe. Plus, as a senior, I constantly remind myself that before long, I’ll be graduating.”
Sixth, sleep. Pulling an all-nighter may seem like the perfect way to study for a big exam or complete an assignment due the next day, but staying awake all night is never a good idea.
Your body needs six to eight hours of sleep to function properly. Without enough sleep, you will not be able to focus or do well on your exam, making your all-nighter pointless.
Seventh, study with snacks. Purdue University’s Student Wellness Center tells students to drink plenty of water while studying, avoid caffeine, sweets, and sugary foods, although it may be tempting; choose protein over carbs, and snack during your study breaks, not at your desk.
Finally, utilize your resources. There are a plethora of resources on campus to help students
with their academic endeavors and with their mental well-being.
Anxious and stressed about finals season? Make an appointment with KSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services. To make an appointment, call 770-423-6600.
Do you have a paper that needs some serious work? Make an appointment at the KSU Writing Center via ksuwritingcenter.com.
Serious stress does not have to take over your life. By utilizing our tips, you will be calm and ready to conquer finals season with ease.
