Tips On Combating Stress During Exam Season

The semester is coming to an end. Exam schedules have been posted, essays and final assignments are due in the next few weeks. It's a stressful time and I'm sure we're all feeling the nerves and anxiousness of getting everything done in such a short amount of time. However, it is important to remember to take care of ourselves both mentally and physically during these times. We'll all feel overwhelmed at some point but there are definitely ways to help us cope through the stress. Here are my tips to combating stress during this season helps. Let's get this semester done, y'all! Written by Madi Wong, Writer/Blogger for RU Student Life

1. Breathing exercises

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Sometimes, we all just need to stop and take a breather.

If you need a study break, or find yourself with some time on your morning commute, find a quiet place or plug in your earphones and take some deep breathes.

This viral gif is known for aiding in anxiety by allowing people to follow the diagram's motions for breathing in and out.

Also, there are apps such as Headspace that lead you through meditation and breathing exercises that will hopefully help you relax a bit.

2. Get some rest

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Nearly every student has experienced late night cramming sessions, but the best way for your brain to process information and to prevent stress is to sleep earlier. Or at least get a sufficient amount of rest.

Other ways you can incorporate rest is to close your eyes on your morning commute or take a quick power nap when you get home before you start your work.

If you have trouble sleeping, find a routine that will help you relax such as a late-night bath, drinking some tea, watching a Netflix episode, etc. Whatever works for you.

3. Cut the Caffeine

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We've all reached for the seventh cup of coffee or a good Red Bull or energy drink to help us stay alive while studying.

Whether it's to help you focus, sooth your cravings or if you're just straight up addicted to it, it's always a good thing to take a step back from the caffeine for a day or two to give your body and brain a break.

Drink more water and ensure you eat some good meals, it'll help you function better than skipping meals.

4. Declutter Your Room

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Any student ever has had their room turned upside down from a beautiful space into a hot mess.

Clothes on the floor, closet cluttered, textbooks nowhere to be found.

Believe it or not, having a clean and comfortable space may actually relax you instead of walking into a tornado of a room. You'll find that organizing physical spaces makes your brain feel a lot less cluttered too.

Also, your parents will get off your butt about cleaning up. It's a win, win.

5. Positive talk

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Positive talk goes two ways. To yourself and with others.

Giving yourself some good'ol self-love in the morning can go a long way, especially before an exam. Look at yourself in the mirror or say some positive and uplifting things to yourself while getting ready in the morning.

You can also give your friends some extra boost of motivation before a stressful day to help them out as well. This can be done in person, by sending a text or even writing them a little letter or sticky note.

Remember, you're a badass bitch. And you can do this.

6. Get Outside

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Being indoors constantly in class, in the library, at work and at home can take a toll on your mental and physical self.

I promise you, getting some fresh air, even if it's for a quick 15 minute walk around the block will help clear your head.

You can round up some friends to take a hike, go to a nearby park or waterfront.

7. Talk It Out

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Sometimes when you're feeling extremely stressed, you keep it bottled up inside of you. And you may not feel like talking to anyone or socializing.

However, it is likely that someone you know is feeling the exact same way. Internalizing a lot of your thoughts easily builds up your stress. So, talking bout it with a good friend, your parents, or just someone you're comfortable with can really help lift the weight off your shoulders.

You may be able to gain some great advice and feel more relieved after sharing how you feel and what's on your mind with another person.

8. Listen to music

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Whether it is your favorite artist or band, your kickass playlist or some Christmas tunes to get you in the holiday spirit (because y'know, tis the season), music can really help you destress.

Listening to tunes that pump up your mood can help you feel better. In fact, it might even make you feel more motivated and encouraged to get things done.

Plug those earphones in or pair that bluetooth speaker and start jamming!

9. Do something fun

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This is not to say skip studying and go out with friends everyday.

What I mean, is that although it is a stressful time of the year, it doesn't mean you cannot still take a day off to take a break and do something fun.

Go out to dinner with family, hit up a board game cafe with friends, or see a movie with your significant other.

These things don't have to take up your entire day. But having some time to just let loose, laugh and have a good time can definitely recharge your brain and make you feel better.

10. Be Present

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It's easy for you to overthink and allow your thoughts to unravel when you're stressed.

You may find yourself worrying about hypothetical scenarios such as, "What if I fail this exam?" "What if I don't graduate?" "What if I never get a job and never move out of my parent's house?"

Mind you these are all valid things to worry about, but when you're stressed, try not to let your thoughts escalate this quickly.

My advice for this would be to take a break, close your eyes, leave your phone off for a bit and just give yourself some time to relax. Then, when you're ready and recharged, do what you have to do.

You'll get through this!