How to Deal with Stress of Finals

Commentary Editor

   Finals and stress go hand-in-hand as the last week of school approaches and we all work on studying for a test, completing projects or writing a paper or papers. 

   The Mountain State Center for Independent Living Web site defines stress as your body’s way to respond to any kind of demand. Mtstcil.org describes several causes of stress such as survival stress, internal stress, environmental stress and fatigue and overwork.

   Each person deals with the stress of studying and preparing for finals in their own way and sometimes it is a good thing to just stop, breathe and track your progress on the paper you are working on or to know what you have left to study for. By knowing what you have completed, it will help you organize your time and even come as a relief when you know you are almost done.

   You can deal with the stress of finals by organizing yourself and creating or finding a study environment in which you can work in. Write down your finals schedule and see what needs to be completed or started first. Start working on the finals that will be happening first or studying for a test a little at a time. When creating a study environment remove any distractions that will hinder your studying or writing and include elements that will help you focus. Finding the right place to study will help you complete your papers and study without any problems.
  
   Moving out? You can help yourself by using some of your breaks to pack up your dorm room for when it is time to move everything out and make a change from your current activity. By having it some of your possessions already pack, you have less to do on the day you move out. Better yet send some your possessions home in advance and you will have less to take back.

   Feeling Stressed?  The MSCIL gives four quick fixes for relieving stress.

1.  Breathe deeply. Taking  a few breaths helps slow down your heart rate and reduces your anxiety.
2.  Relax your muscles by stretching your neck, standing or sitting up straight and get some tension out of your body.
3.  Make a change. Step back from what you are doing or the reason for your stress and take a few minutes to clear your mind.
4.  Laugh. Laughter helps relieve the tension in your body or your mind.
5. For more relaxation techniques go to the link

   Good luck with you finals and I hope you all have a good summer.

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