The freedom of summer is right around the corner, but for manystudents, the road leading to that final exam can be quitestressful.
Final papers, projects and exams can leave students feeling likethey are in over their heads during the last few weeks ofschool.
"I'm extremely stressed because of finals," said sophomoremarketing major Mindy Irwin. "I get especially stressed when I knowI have to make a certain grade on the exam to get the final grade Iwant in the class."
The most important thing for students to do is anticipate thatexam time is going to be stressful and to have solutions in placeto manage the added stress, said Clairressa Goad, a psychologist inthe Center for Student Development.
The first step in managing stress well is to become aware of thewarning signs the body gives when placed under stress, she said.These include headaches, sweating, fatigue, sleeplessness, muscletension and a decreased appetite, among other things.
Once the warning signs are realized, students need to focus onrearranging the tasks on their agenda. They need to spread out thetasks requiring the most energy and tackle them at a time duringthe day when their energy level is at its peak, Goad said.
Proper diet, along with getting enough sleep and exercise, areessential during stressful times, she said.
For some people, exam time seems to bring out more than justschool-related stress.
"This is very normal," said Goad. "Often, one big stressorexacerbates other stressors."
Some students have an idea of what works for them when it comesto relieving stress.
"When I get stressed, I take a deep breath and put everything inperspective," said sophomore English major Sally Joyner.
Other students prefer to hang out with friends, see a movie orgo for a walk. Sophomore communications major Jonathan Parrishlikes to practice with his band, The Orange Minute.
"I generally try to practice extra hard when I'm stressed out inorder to relieve stress," he said.
Human movement sciences instructor Robert Hughes is offeringfree yoga sessions to all students during exam time. The classestake place in room 118 of the Elma Roane Field House Monday at 4p.m. and Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
