For Amber Mole, hard workouts do the trick when finals week approaches and anxiety rises.

Having a personal planner loaded with lists of things that need to be accomplished helps Kaitlyn Smith endure the most trying time of the semester.

Establishing behavioral norms is also a way to deal with the pressure of final exams, says Dr. Nicholas Flower, a psychologist who specializes in anxiety treatment.

The American College Health Association (ACHA) conducted a study releasing stress as the number one impediment to academic performance in college students. The ACHA reported stress affects students’ academic performance more than physical illness, lack of sleep or relationship concerns.

Mole, a Point Park dual accounting and business major, finds she does better when her physical and mental health is balanced.

“Working out helps take my mind off school work,” Mole said. “When you’re healthy and eating right, drinking water, and working out, you’re in a better mindset to study.”

Overwhelmed with stress from trying to balance an internship, part-time job and being active on campus, Mole was convinced she couldn’t push forward. As finals week closed in, however she began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Mole looks to her peers and relies on her faith for motivation during the hardest week of the semester for her.

“During finals week, my friends and I are all going through the same thing so in our group chats we send funny quotes or sayings of our own to help push through,” Mole said.

Smith, Campus Activity Board (CAB) executive director and women’s basketball player, plans her week out ahead of time to obtain a successful finals run.

“Time management is 100 percent key to finals week,” Smith said. “Without making lists and a planner I’m not sure that I would get through the week.”

Smith wants to remind others it’s important to focus on your studies but making time for yourself to relax is also a must.

“Even if it’s just 15 minutes to a half hour to either watch Netflix, relax or sleep in occasionally, making sure that I take a couple minutes to be myself is important,” Smith said.

Flower recommends students organize their sleep schedule after his own firsthand experience his freshman year of college.

“I remember the first time I took a final and I didn’t do well because I was doing things out of the norm,” Flower said.

According to Flower, adjusting your sleep schedule to avoid all-nighters will help students retain material better.

Tutors are available in the Center for Student Success during finals week for students who need extra help in preparing for exams or papers.