Maintaining good mental health during one of the most stressful times of the year for college students can be tricky, so it’s crucial to have many tips, tricks, and resources to turn to when things become too difficult to handle.
First things first, avoid burnout and create a healthy routine. With enough time allocated to self-care, it’s important that you maintain good mental health. Stress from school can manifest in many different emotional and physical symptoms, so knowing how to cope with these will give you an edge up. Keep reading for six of the most important healthy ways to reduce stress during finals week, according to Active Minds.
Take a Break From Your Phone
Unplugging from social media can look different to everyone. For some people, this might mean deleting the apps entirely until finals week is over to avoid any temptation of mindless scrolling. For others, simply telling yourself to avoid going on these apps is enough. Either way, figuring out how to unplug is necessary to avoid distractions when you should be studying. Many students have found that setting time limits on certain apps have worked for them to avoid spending too much time on social media. Try one, or all of these suggestions and see what works best for you.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
Focusing on time management is a really important skill to learn in college.. According to Purdue University, it is good to start tackling small tasks first and then move on to more taxing projects to make the most of your time. Knowing how to properly prioritize items on a to-do list is one of the best things to have down to a science if students want to succeed in college. Sometimes, school work will take precedence over social outings, and students have to be okay with that!
Get Your Rest
Getting adequate sleep is another important healthy habit during not only finals week, but throughout college and beyond. Although it sometimes is a challenge to get enough sleep, we know that our brains function properly when well-rested, and we are better able to focus and make rational decisions quickly. By focusing on time management, students can control their stress and ensure that they give their bodies and minds the rest they both need to be successful.
Keep Your Body Active
One of the most underrated but important tactics to manage stress during finals is to make time to exercise. Students often make excuses arguing that they do not have enough time to work out, but in reality, they don’t see its importance. Working out releases endorphins, which inherently provide you with happy chemicals that reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Making time to exercise will provide you with physical and mental benefits all around.
Spend Time with Friends or Family
Finally, having someone to talk to in times of stress can be taken for granted. Being able to relate to someone else who is also in the midst of a stressful time or just having someone to support you through this stress is important. Just hearing someone else tell you that you are doing a great job and to hear the words “do not give up” can so powerful.
Overall, taking advantage of these six healthy habits can help students keep their stress during finals week at bay. It can be overwhelming to remain positive in such a stressful time, but it is times like this when remaining mentally stable is that much more important.
