Surviving Finals: breaks, organization help prevent stress

Editor’s note: this is part three in a 3-part series on how to survive finals week.

Now that the time of study is drawing closer to the big event, some students are probably feeling as if their brains have been puréed like a frog in a blender.

As such, students have probably played that very Flash game several times in an attempt to relieve the stress of studying.

However, funny flash games, like “Frog in a Blender,” are not the only solution to de-stress.

Organize what you have to do
When feeling stressed, sit down and compile a list of what and when things must be done.

Stress can come from misjudging what all you have to do.

By creating this list, you can see what must actually be done, providing a better idea what is causing your stress.

Don’t force yourself to study
Whether it be a writing block or a difficult concept, if you are having trouble focusing on or working with something, don’t work on it.

Doing this is like banging your head against a brick wall, sometimes literally.

If this kind of mental block occurs, move on to something else.

Take occasional breaks
To avoid study overload, take breaks at least once an hour.

This allows your mind to stop focusing on the thing cause of stress.

However, if you are on a role, don’t stop. Otherwise, there is a risk you won’t completely remember or jot down the idea before it dissipates from your mind.

Also, if you have been cooped up inside all day studying, go outside for some fresh air on one of these breaks.

This is also a good time to grab something to snack on.

Snack wisely
Many students choose to snack while studying; however, choosing the right snack can keep you going without putting strain on your body.

Choose things that satisfy cravings without adding unneeded calories, such as vegetables if you want something crunchy or fruit instead of candy.

Also c onsider eating carbohydrate-heavy foods to provide plenty of energy to study as long as you need.

Do something unrelated
If one subject is the sole focus of studying, it can become too laborious, so laborious, in fact, that it can become a detriment rather than a boon.

If you have spent several hours on one subject, move on to another to avoid overload on one subject or concept.

Many of the stressors in students’ study habits are a result of mismanaging what must be done and focusing too much on studying.

By calmly looking at what must be done and choosing to allow breaks, students can prevent blending their brains with stress.