Studying For Finals

With the semester coming to and end and finals approaching, stress seems to be weighing on everyone’s shoulders.  We choose to willingly put ourselves through the classes, the tests, and the papers. Most will reach a point when they will question their sanity. They will ask, why did I put myself through this? Inevitably, there comes a point in the middle of a cram session when hope seems lost. The task seems unbearable, and giving up becomes appealing. But in the Grey’s Anatomy episode, Desire, I learned to not give up in times of stress.

Different people manage and cope in different ways. Some students may plan weeks in advance, well prepared.  But the reality is most students, especially those who work best with deadlines, find themselves staying up all night studying the night right before the big test. They go through the next day exhausted, leaving many to wonder if it’s worth it; do the benefits of an all-night study session outweigh the sleepiness and fuzzy thinking that generally characterize the next day? Recent research says ‘no.’ Sleep is vital is maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health needed to succeed. This Grey’s Anatomy episode showed great examples of the different ways people handle stress and react under pressure. The day of the Board Examinations finally came from the interns. For weeks up to this point all they could think about the was the test. Eventually this kind of stress may big bring a great deal of damage to the body and mind, as some of the interns so conveniently displayed. Meredith became physically sick, April had a near mental breakdown, Karev was a near no-show, and Jackson’s mind was deeply submerged in his personal life. Like always, the only one who appeared to have it together was Christina.

Stress can often make people jumpy, excitable, or even irritable. The effects of stress may cause some people to drink or smoke heavily, neglect exercise or proper nutrition, or overuse either the television or the computer. Stress also realeases hormones that trigger the fight or flight response. These hormones help you to either fight harder or run faster. Other side effects also include increase blood pressure, sweating, and heartrate.

Helpful Ways to Cope With School Related Stress:

Source: http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/stressmanagement.html

 Stress Management Strategies

1.Learn how to say “NO!” – know your limits and do not compromise them. Taking on more than you can handle is not a good choice. It is ok if you don't do every single activity that your club, fraternity, sorority or your friends are doing.

2.Attitude – it is human nature to want to freak out. Your mind is a powerful tool; use it in your favor. Thinking rationally can take you a long way.

3.Laugh – Do something that you enjoy, take on a hobby, hang out with friends, and learn to balance your life. If you are feeling upset, express your feelings. Don't keep them to yourself because that will only add to your stress.

4.Avoid alcohol and cigarettes – this is just a quick fix. Once the chemical leave your body, you are back to feeling stressed and you are probably worse off than when you started.

5.Healthy eating – get the proper nutrition. Eat at least one hot-home cooked meal a day.

6.Exercise – physical activities can help you in not only burning off calories, but burning off stress. Exercise helps release tension. Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least 3 times per week.

7.Relaxing your mind and body – take deep breaths. Visualize success. Set some “alone time” where you do something you enjoy. Practice “mindfulness”, focusing your attention on the present moment.

8.Sleep – at least 7 hours of sleep are needed in order for your brain and body to function at optimum level. Avoid taking naps for more than 1 hour.

9.Healthy relationships – talk and hang out with friends. Find some you relate to and with whom you can share your problems with.

10.         Time management – get a planner, create a schedule, or even a to-do list. Map out what your quarter will look like. Once you have done that, do a schedule for each week. Then create a schedule for each day. Be specific. Mark down your class meeting times, study time for a specific subject, mealtimes, fun activities, and sleep.

11.         Organization – learn how to organize your notes, keep track of your assignments and note important due dates or date of exams. Establish your priorities for the day.

12.         Budget – create a budget for your monthly expenses. Distribute your money according to the bills you need to pay for the quarter (i.e. rent, tuition, groceries, personal items, house bills, gasoline, etc.). Determine about how much money you will be able to spend “for fun.”

13.         Spirituality – spiritually is regarded as finding meaning in your life, the ability to connect with others.

14.         Determine your learning style – find out whether you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.

15.         Slow Down – take a deep breath and know your limits. Take your time so that you can ensure a well done job.

16.         Find a support system – whether it's your mom, sister, brother, friend or counselor, find someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Sometimes all we need is to vent off the frustration.

17.         Make changes in your surroundings – if you find it difficult to study in your dorm try moving to a place where there is no loud music, and brighter lights.

18.         Delegate responsibilities – when school or work becomes overwhelming, dividing up the work or responsibilities helps alleviate pressure and stress.