the stress of finals - central connecticut state university · 2021. 2. 9. · finals how to...
TRANSCRIPT
The Stress of Finals How to Survive Finals Week Stress Free
Erica RodriguezSrividya Srinivasan
Stress & The College Student“The fuel the body uses to meet the challenges of our fast-paced modern life; for others, it is the
aversive by-product of such a life”
Too much stress can interfere with preparation, concentration, and performance
Stress can lead to avoidance, poor performance, or too high or low expectations for
oneself
Dealing with Stress� Underlying issues tend to surface & are
exacerbated during times of stress� Know what your physical & emotional
limits are� Identify cause of the stressor/trigger� Seek out support! � Utilize techniques for reducing stress
*Remember, these vary student to student!
Tips for Preparing1. Prioritize 2. Talk to your professor or TA ahead of time3. Know for certain what material will be
covered4. Look at previous exams5. Get extra help6. Set ground rules with your roommate7. Utilize study groups8. Ask students who have taken the class what
to expect
Stress Bustersv Get enough sleep each nightv Eat Healthfullyv Be Activev Learn to say “no” – don’t over commit yourselfv Avoid use of alcohol and drugsv Get time away/alonev Spend 3-5 minutes not doing anythingv Study for only 1 hour at a time, then take a breakv Make a list and write down everything you need to
get done
The Truth about All-Nighters
http://www.bu.edu/buniverse/view/?v=Q5Iuhty
Only allows you to function at 50-70% of your capability the next day
Can set you up for panic, misreading test questions, and “blanking”
Sleep DeprivationShort Term Effects
� Poor concentration & shortened attention span
� Decreased ability to retain information
� Lose ability to read others’ emotions properly
� Lack of controlling your own emotions
� Weakened immune system
Long Term Effects� Alters and imbalances
hormones associated with hunger
� Reduced learning ability� Increase in the likelihood
of anxiety disorders� Weight gain� Increase risk of diabetes,
kidney failure, heart disease, & stroke
If you must cram…� Do not “should” yourself, focus on the here-and-
now� Be Selective� Skim� Caffeine- 1-2 cups in a 24 hour period� Light exercise� Healthy snacks� Music� Power naps� Proper lighting� Brain Breaks
What to do Right Before Your Exam� Get a good nights rest (6-8 hours
preferably)� Eat and drink something healthy� Deep breathing� Meditate � Talk to a friend� Light exercise � RELAX
Resources� Counseling and Wellness Center� Managing Stress during Finals Week� How to Reduce Stress During Finals Week� Limit Stress During Finals Week
Pranayam- Breathing Excercise
Pranayama refers to breathing exercises included in the practice of yoga. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, pranayama can help increase blood circulation and deliver more oxygen to the brain. As you gain more control of your breath, you also increase your lung capacity, which can increase your mental alertness and focus. Practicing pranayama may also help relieve stress.
Ujjayi Breathing� Breath passes through the back of the
throat� A soft audible sound is createdHow to do it….Ø Exhale through the mouth as if you are
fogging a mirror a couple of timesØ Now, keep up the same quality of
breathing with your lips sealed
Sounds of nature…