Kylee Deering | Arts & Life Co-editor

Finals are coming up and stress can get the best of students. To-do lists are a mile long and the end never seems near. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s important to unwind and undo from the to-do. Getting through finals and performing your best is difficult under too much stress. These are a few things you can do to dissolve some stress in the midst of the pressure.

1. Set short term goals: When a list is a mile long, it’s hard to feel motivated to get through it all. Setting some short term goals to accomplish it all and check things off the list makes the list seem feasible.
2. Take breaks: Take 15 minute breaks for every hour of studying. It’s proven that too much studying is just as bad as not studying because your brain can’t retain information after so long. Be sure to take a small break and regroup before beginning again.
3. Change locations: Studying or working in one place for too long can get you off track and distracted. Change locations every so often so you’re more apt to focus.
4. Treat yourself: Students often get so caught up in studying that they feel bad doing anything else. It’s okay to walk away from it for a bit and do something for yourself. See a movie, sign up for the massage chair, or grab some Dairy Queen. You deserve it.
5. Color: Taking your mind off of finals can be the break you need. Adult coloring books are really popular and cheap. Pick one up and let yourself forget studying for a little bit.

These are just a few ways that you can unwind and help alleviate some stress. Making sure you’re getting plenty of sleep and eating balanced snacks and meals is important too. Finals week is hard, but it doesn’t have to get the best of you.

Photo by Kylee Deering