When finals week approaches, Point Park junior Emily Bowen allows herself to get overwhelmed for a short period, then puts everything else aside to ace her exams.
Victoria Mikula tries to not wait until the last minute to get her work done, planning ways to avoid procrastinating long before deadlines strike.
For senior Melanie Vadney, making some time for herself is key to a successful finals run.
“Make sure to dedicate enough time to studying but also make time to see your friends, go to the gym, or do whatever it is you do. It can be a stressful time but not awful as long as you prepare enough and still make time for things you enjoy,” Vadney said.
According to Patti Schwartz, Mental Health Counselor at Point Park, by organizing your week, making time for friends and exercise, and pacing yourself will help students overcome anxiety and stress during the hardest week of the semester- finals.
“I recommend students to break down projects. It is very important to take breaks,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz suggests that students should try to meditate to try to relieve stress. She recommends going on to google.com search mindfulness and you will be guided through meditation practices. Students should find time to exercise and find time to get a good sleep. She also mentions the best place to study is the library. It is quiet and there are little interruptions to distract you.
Bowen learned that the hard way in the beginning of college and has learned now to “strap on her bootstraps and dive into her books,” she said.
She works in the library, and says that the library staff does a fantastic job helping students find resources and citations.
“We can help with citing which is often a chore for students,” says Mandee Williams, Reference Associate in the library.
During finals the library has extended hours till midnight. If the library isn’t the place for you to study, then mix it up like Bowen does.
“I like to go to bright, not too warm places so I don’t get sleepy. Somewhere with inspiration,” says Bowen. Stop by the local Starbucks, try a study group, or save the travel time and study at home.
Mikula plans out each day for one or two subjects so she does not get overwhelmed with multiple subjects. For instance, she tries to get the hardest work done first to make the rest of the week a breeze. While studying, she tries to stick to healthy snacks to keep her more energized.
“My on the go snacks are sliced apples, goldfish, carrots and especially coffee to keep me on my feet,” Mikula said.
Vadney tries to keep stress down to a minimum by making time for stress relievers. While ensuring she has made time for studying, she rewards herself by making time to do stuff to get her mind off all of the stresses of finals week.
During the week of late night studying, double fisting coffee and energy drinks to stay awake, and using your books as pillows, try to remember these helpful tips to make your week of finals less stressful, more organized, and easier to bear.
