It’s the end of the semester and while you would normally be celebrating such a glorious occasion, you’re still knee deep in term papers and endless study group sessions. Not to mention that it’s Christmas, you’re broke, and your girlfriend wants a Tiffany’s necklace. Ah, the joys of being a student.
Students are on high stress alert this time of year, and rightfully so. Between preparing for a twenty-five minute oral on some mundane and utterly useless topic – which in itself is cause for anxiety attacks – students also have to juggle studying for classes A, B, and C. Between all this madness, they’re probably working too. University can be a tough gig.
I once knew a girl who would get so stressed out before exams that she would sporadically throw up every time finals came around. Trust me, it’s not pleasant. Especially when you’re her study buddy. But if there’s one thing I learned after 4 years of school in the big leagues, it’s that you have to manage your lifestyle. Burning out is not an option and neither is projectile vomiting all over your text books on the eve of your exam.
Here are some easy, yet pretty obvious tips sure to make your life a little more bearable during peak exam time.
Do Away with Unnecessary Stressors - This might seem like a no brainer, but sometimes it’s a little easier said than done. A classic example of an ‘unnecessary stressor’ is any relationship that gets your blood boiling, the kind that keeps you up at night, or the one that puts you in a foul mood. Turn your cell phone off when you’re studying. This is the best way to avoid life’s imminent dramas. An ex-boy/girlfriend that still calls you to stir sh*t up during exam time is something that could have clearly been avoided if you had just turned off your cell phone for the day.
Limit the Caffeine - It’s common for students to up their caffeine intake around exam time. This is actually the worst thing one can do. While a cup or two will keep you awake, too much coffee will definitely over-stimulate the ol’ noodle, leaving you feeling like you’ve just ingested a gallon of Red bull and paint-thinner. Instead drink loads of water. Substitute coffee with juice or herbal teas instead - Dandelion, Chamomile, Passion flower; they all have the power to soothe and relax.
Eat Healthy - You know that McDonald’s super trio you just had? Not such a great idea. Binging on heavy, greasy foods, not only makes you prone to indigestion, but it also makes you lethargic – which you’re trying to avoid. Eat smaller portions of foods packed with vitamins like B complex, C and E. Foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, soups, and yogurt. Chowing down on fish is also great for the brain and helps improve memory functions. These foods help keep you alert and make you less prone to the side-effects of stress – which with your luck will probably include explosive diarrhoea.
Schedule - The biggest and most common mistake that students make is last minute cramming. A ton of anxiety can be caused by tackling too many projects at the same time. With the combination of studying for actual exams, it’s really no wonder why 30% of students experience anxiety and depression. Lack of planning and time management proves to be a toxic recipe for stress-packed days and nights. A few less beer-pong games during the week can go a long way. Scheduling your work accordingly throughout the semester would relieve avoidable stress later on. Whether you use a laptop or agenda it’s best to jot down your study schedule and leave the boozing for Saturday night, as a reward for all your hard work.
Create An Outlet - Creating the right outlet for relieving stress is almost as important as not punching your group member in the mouth. If you’re the type that has issues with, oh, let’s say anger management, then maybe investing in a Thai-boxing class once a week might do you some good. On a cheaper budget, you can just spend some cash on a punching bag and beat the living crap out of it. I swear you’ll feel better. But if you’re the more serene type who enjoys petting kittens, rather than kicking them, you can always try painting, taking a walk, or mellowing out in an Epson bath.
Remember, it’s crucial to find the most stress-free ways through your education because at the end of the day, it’s your career we’re talking about. Staying healthy, positive and (somewhat) sober could be the difference between being successful or being the janitor that cleans the school after everyone else has gone home, and unless you have the face of Matt Damon and the brains of Good Will Hunting, that doesn’t leave many opportunities for advancement. How do you like them apples?
- Angelique Picanco