Finals week is here! Do you feel stressed? Overwhelmed? Like you don’t have enough time to do all the things you need to do? 

Did you know that high amounts of prolonged stress (hello, finals week!) can cause headaches, anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation or focus, fatigue, sleep problems, feeling overwhelmed, social withdrawal and irritability? 

It feels impossible to study for finals without experiencing high levels of stress. But there are ways that you can decrease your stress that will ultimately help you be more productive as you study. Here are eleven things you can do while studying to help decrease stress symptoms so that you can be healthier and more balanced as you study: 

1. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you. 
2. Take care of your physical needs - eat regular meals, get enough sleep, stay hydrated! 
3. Take a minute to laugh - watch a funny video or spend time with a friend.
4. Take a long shower or bath to relax. 
5. Get a change of scenery! Take a walk or study somewhere new. 
6. Stand up and stretch - pay attention to places in your body that you’re feeling tension.
7. Find an encouraging or inspiring quote to motivate you. 
8. Take 10 deep breaths when you start to feel overwhelmed.
9. Set a timer and take frequent breaks. 
10. Turn off your phone and/or stay off of social media.
11. Come to college de-stress night on May 2nd. 

We are offering an opportunity for college students to take a study break for an hour or two at our college de-stress night. On May 2nd from 6-8 we will be having yoga, snacks and mental health tips to help you de-stress and be even more energized to study for finals. Come join us at Athens Church and take some time to recharge! 

It is at the point in the school year where high school seniors are experiencing the peak of senioritis and all they can think about is what is next. Many high school seniors are looking ahead with great anticipation of starting their college experience. 

For many students, college is the “best four years of your life.” The reality is that the college transition can be a difficult one for many students. One of the best ways to prepare for this transition is to set realistic expectations for what this will be like. 

As a first year college student, you will have new responsibilities.
Some of these responsibilities include maintaining a schedule, getting yourself to class, meal preparation and/or planning, managing your finances or a budget and creating new community. 

Remember: Your responsibility will increase, but God's responsibility will stay the same. This means that you will need Him in new ways, and He will meet you in new ways.

2. As a first year college student, you will have more choices. 
These choices will include your classes, your major, your career, who you hang out with, and how you spend your time.

Remember: Watch out for the comparison trap or sacrificing your values in order to "fit in". For example: Your friends may have their "life planned out" but this does not matter. Embrace the path God has for you.

3. As a first year college student, you will experience rejection and failure (in new ways).
You may experience failure in the classroom. You may experience failure in attempts to make friends and meet new people. You may experiencing failure in managing new responsibilities. 

Remember: This happens to everyone. How you learn from failure and respond matters most. These moments are an opportunity to turn to God and see Him work in your life.

4. As a first year college student, you will experience a transition. 
Regardless of how prepared you are, everyone must transition to college life. There is no way that you can anticipate all of the changes to come. What you can do is prepare for these transitions by managing expectations and setting up a support system. 

Remember: Be prepared to experience some difficulty in your transition. It will most likely be challenging and that is okay. Who can support you?

College looks different for everyone. What is challenging for some seems easy for others. Some college freshman feel at home immediately while others need time to adapt. If you are a college freshman experiencing some of these challenges or a high school senior who would like to prepare for the transition, our counselors at Bethel Haven can help. Call our office at 706.310.9046 to make an appointment with a counselor.