Getting Through Finals: Care For Yourself and Manage The Stress

 

Nutrition:  Study Snacks and Meal Ideas

Don’t skip meals – EAT BREAKFAST

Trail Mix

Sliced fruits and veggies

Yogurt

Hummus and pita

Popcorn, bagels

Canned or homemade soups ready to microwave

Stay Hydrated:  WATER, Herb teas, smoothies, milk, hot chocolate

Limit or Avoid Caffeine

Deal Productively With Your Workload:

You can’t learn it all in one night – set up a study schedule and plan ahead. Have a goal such as finishing so many chapters per session.

Set Priorities.  Leave more time for harder subjects.

Know your style.  Can you learn in a study group or are you better off alone?  Ask for help if you need it.

Use a calendar and checklists to monitor your progress, (and to know when you can take a break!)

Tape your study info and listen to it instead of reading for a change of pace.

Take breaks to stretch and move around.  Breathe!

Supportive Measures:

Spend time alone relaxing.

Time with friends should be social, not about comparing workloads or complaining.  Find other things to talk about.

EXERCISE – take a brisk walk alone or with a friend.  Shoot baskets, go to the gym, hop on the treadmill, do yoga, Pilates, whatever works for you!

Have good lighting and a comfortable seat.  Use stretching exercises (see back sheet) during breaks.

SLEEP – Plan this into your schedule if you have to, but don’t shortchange yourself on rest.  You will be more effective if you have enough sleep.  Having trouble sleeping?  EXERCISE!

See a movie with friends or rent one and stay in.  Listen to a favorite CD or calming music.  Take a hot bath, go for a swim, get in the spa.  Spend you free time doing things that rejuvenate and relax you.

Recognize progress and congratulate yourself as you check off the days.  Here’s to success!

Did You Know:  that instead of a straight 40 min exercise session you can do four separate 10 min sessions over a four-hour period and get almost the same cardio benefit?  So don’t think that you have to forego your exercise just because you don’t have a big chunk of time - you can take a brisk walk, run the stairs, use the treadmill, jump rope, or whatever your exercise of choice may be!  Give yourself 10 min every hour for more productive study time and better sleep.