How to Manage Stress While Studying for Finals

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!