Deal with exam stress this semester

It’s that time of year again, when the snow starts flying and nights at the library become more popular then Open mic nights at the Gorsebrook. You might be starting to feel a lot more stress and anxiety than usual. Don’t worry, there are lots of simple ways to keep your stress level in check and fly smoothly through exam season into the holiday season. It’s already the last week of classes, and final exam dates are fast approaching. Some people may even be doing big final presentations and Lab exams this week on top of preparing for final exams. The first official day for formal exams is December first and most exams are finally wrapped up by December 17th.

Make sure you manage your time well! If you have a bunch of exams in only a few days, start studying well in advance. This will keep you from cramming last minute or not doing as well as you’d like. Get lots of sleep over the next few weeks. Sleep is important for retaining information and not passing out on your favorite Calculus textbook by 8pm. Avoid putting off your studying and then putting in a couple all-nighters instead. While you are studying, eat well, lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, and drink lots (of non-alcoholic beverages). If you normally drink coffee or other caffeine, keep on doing it. If you rarely ever do, don’t start. It won’t help you to chug three energy drinks and power study. Plan out your study schedule in advance, stick to it, and don’t cram!

Make sure you stay on your study schedule. It’s also important to take breaks and find things you like doing to relax yourself. Take a break and get outside, go for a jog (watch the ice!), or get to the gym. If exercise isn’t your thing, try reading something else other than your psychology textbook, or bake your room mates cookies. If you have a routine, it’s probably a good idea to stick to it.
There are definitely some good things to do while you are studying. If it helps you, study in groups or with someone else in your class. If you’re better off studying alone, get to the library early and find a quiet place. Profs are usually available, between all the marking that they have to do, to go over class material or a previous midterm. There are also lots of resources on campus to help you deal with stress and anxiety. Check out Student Services and Counseling services on the fourth floor of the student centre. There is a Chaplaincy office on the first floor of Loyola and a meditation/prayer room on the second floor of Loyola.

Don’t worry, it will all be over soon!