Students cope by not thinking about finals
Sarah J. Semmler
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Campus Events
It's that time of year again, classes are winding down and students are bracing themselves for the last big hurdle of the fall semester: finals week.
Although finals mark the beginning of Southeast's long winter break and the opportunity for students to go home and decompress, the process of preparing for finals can send student stress levels soaring. In addition to final exams, the last few weeks of the semester can bring about additional anxiety. For many, the bulk of their class loads are heaviest during this time. Term papers and report deadlines are looming, and major class projects and presentations are due. Factor in all of the regular reading and studying that needs to take place and school can become overwhelming.
End of term stress is a perennial fixture in student life, making it essential for students to develop habits that will help them to alleviate any pressures and anxieties they may be experiencing during the final push of the semester.
"I like listening to music because I like to listen to the words and not think about what's going on," Southeast junior Afsaneh Saboorizadeh said.
Southeast junior Kyle McGrath has a multi-step process for unwinding, "I go party, smoke cigarettes, hang out, watch TV, basically anything to avoid doing homework."
For students who don't have a set routine for relaxation, there are plenty of "stress-busting" events and activities scheduled for the weeks leading up to the end of the classes. For more information, students can check the Southeast portal for a list of university-sponsored events.
There are simple steps students can take in order to ensure they make it through the remainder of the semester unscathed. The most beneficial thing students can do is stay on a regular and sufficient sleep schedule. Although this may get in the way of last minute, late night cram sessions, getting enough rest aids memory retention and helps regulate mood. In addition to getting enough sleep, exercising regularly levels off hormones that accumulate as a result of stress and anxiety. Even the simple act of taking a break and going on a short 20-minute walk can restore focus after a long study session. Throw in a healthy, well balanced diet into the routine and students will find themselves far less stressed during finals preparation.
Students who find they need extra help dealing with the pressures of final exams can always find support by contacting Southeast's Student Health Services. Additional support can be found through Southeast's University Counseling Services by calling 573-986-6191.
Gearing up for finals can be a daunting task for everyone, but when all else fails, take a cue from Southeast senior Ryan Ehlers, "Take a nap."
Although finals mark the beginning of Southeast's long winter break and the opportunity for students to go home and decompress, the process of preparing for finals can send student stress levels soaring. In addition to final exams, the last few weeks of the semester can bring about additional anxiety. For many, the bulk of their class loads are heaviest during this time. Term papers and report deadlines are looming, and major class projects and presentations are due. Factor in all of the regular reading and studying that needs to take place and school can become overwhelming.
End of term stress is a perennial fixture in student life, making it essential for students to develop habits that will help them to alleviate any pressures and anxieties they may be experiencing during the final push of the semester.
"I like listening to music because I like to listen to the words and not think about what's going on," Southeast junior Afsaneh Saboorizadeh said.
Southeast junior Kyle McGrath has a multi-step process for unwinding, "I go party, smoke cigarettes, hang out, watch TV, basically anything to avoid doing homework."
For students who don't have a set routine for relaxation, there are plenty of "stress-busting" events and activities scheduled for the weeks leading up to the end of the classes. For more information, students can check the Southeast portal for a list of university-sponsored events.
There are simple steps students can take in order to ensure they make it through the remainder of the semester unscathed. The most beneficial thing students can do is stay on a regular and sufficient sleep schedule. Although this may get in the way of last minute, late night cram sessions, getting enough rest aids memory retention and helps regulate mood. In addition to getting enough sleep, exercising regularly levels off hormones that accumulate as a result of stress and anxiety. Even the simple act of taking a break and going on a short 20-minute walk can restore focus after a long study session. Throw in a healthy, well balanced diet into the routine and students will find themselves far less stressed during finals preparation.
Students who find they need extra help dealing with the pressures of final exams can always find support by contacting Southeast's Student Health Services. Additional support can be found through Southeast's University Counseling Services by calling 573-986-6191.
Gearing up for finals can be a daunting task for everyone, but when all else fails, take a cue from Southeast senior Ryan Ehlers, "Take a nap."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
book report writing
posted 11/23/09 @ 7:31 AM CST
We all know those simple steps in oreder to relax, but never take them.
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