Marrio Green sits at a table in Einstein Bros. Bagels, reviewing a past test.
"You can't alleviate stress right now," the senior logistics major said. "You just have to focus on what's at hand now."
His preparation technique for exam week to control stress is simply to spend equal time studying, planning enough time to where "you understand how to do the exam," he said.
For students trying to get a grip on their pre-exam stress, The University of Memphis chapter of Active Minds is hosting a "Study Break Oasis" on Thursday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Panhellenic Building.
This event is a part of National Stress Out Day sponsored by Anxiety Disorders Association of America and Active Minds Inc., which is an organization made of 192 chapters nationwide that tries to eliminate stigmas of seeking help for anxiety and mental health disorders.
Free massages and refreshments will be provided, along with tips on stress relief and anxiety disorders.
"I think we should have (these events) all the time. I think massages should be covered by insurance. I think everyone should have time to let go and relax," said Pamela Cogdal, clinical coordinator for counseling practice for Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research.
"This day isn't going to just solve all your problems, but it will hopefully raise awareness that there are anxiety issues out there. It's not that it's weird. Everybody has an issue."
Helping to plan the "Study Break Oasis" is Brandy Hunter, the co-founder and president of The U of M chapter of Active Minds.
Hunter not only leads Active Minds at The U of M, but also is a volunteer, researcher and senior psychology student at The University.
"I have a lot of hats to wear," she said.
The stress that she is encountering has had an influence on what events take place at the "Study Break Oasis," she said.
"The last couple of weeks (of school) are the hardest and most stressful," Hunter said. "I wanted to do something to relax everyone before we get back to the hard stuff."
One of the major topics that will be discussed at the "Study Break Oasis" will be the difference between anxiety disorders and what Cogdal called "common, run-of-the-mill anxiety."
Most college students suffer from anxiety about paying the bills, the economy and studying for exams, she said. It is when the stress and anxiety severely impairs a person's life that is becomes a problem, taking over major parts of his or her life such as work or relationships.
"The hard part is everybody has anxiety, and so some anxiety is really normal and typical," she said.
"When it takes over your life and you have hard time getting things done and moving from one aspect of your life to another - when it compromises your function -then it becomes a disorder."
Almost 75 percent of people with an anxiety disorder will experience their first anxiety attack before they are 22 years old, according to the Anxiety Disorders Associate of America.
Similar to what Green said, planning and creating a schedule plays a major role in alleviating pre-exam stress, according Cogdal.
"You're used to high school and everything being so structured and routine - then you get into college," she said.
In college, classes are on certain days instead of every day. Projects are assigned weeks or months in advance, which causes some students to slide, Cogdal said.
Cogdal also emphasized the importance of students taking care of their minds and bodies, another topic that will be addressed at "Study Break Oasis." Exercise is the most effective stress reliever, and everyone should make sure to include it in their schedule, she said.
Relaxation techniques and a meditative art form called Mandala will be the most influential event for students that will be taught at the "Study Break Oasis," Hunter said.
"I have heard so much about it," Hunter said. "I want everybody to come to all of our events, but it they can't do anything else, I really recommend they attend (the relaxation techniques) workshop."
For those who have an anxiety disorder, Cogdal recommended that they see a campus counselor or professional. That professional will help them monitor their anxiety, further leading to relaxation and coping, she said.
