FINALS GUIDE
5
How to stay healthy during finals week
BY ALEXANDRA GARRY editor@kansan.com
It's that time of year again. The weather is nicer, the parties are hotter and the temptation to break free from the tedium of nine months of school is exponentially greater.
But it's not time to relax — yet. It's time for many students' most dreaded college ritual finals week.
According to the National Institutes of Health, stress can take a physical and mental toll, leaving the body more susceptible to infection and can also negatively affect academic performance.
Finals week can be an incredibly stressful time, but some experts say that stress can be reduced by taking the time to take care of yourself.
TOP FINALS STRESS BUSTING TIPS
1. Get enough sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping because of anxiety, Student Health Services offers some tips and safe help.
2. Organize yourself.Having a prioritized list of tasks and organized notes can keep your
thoughts clear and anxiety at bay.
3. Exercise. This doesn't have to mean spending a long time at the gym - just taking the stairs can be enough to get your body working. But if there is a physical activity that you really enjoy, engaging in it can be even better for stress reduction.
4. Eat well. Taking the time to eat healthy can also ward off feeling bad physically, which can just add to stress.
5. Talk to someone if you need help. Try complaining about an exam with others who are taking it - you may find you just need to vent. If you are feeling very stressed out, consider visiting Counseling and Psychological Services. They're there to help.
6. Schedule something fun to take a break and relieve stress. Not overdoing it with alcohol or food is the key.
7. Work hard to get everything required done, but accept that there's only so much you can do.
Sources: Ken Sarber, health educator for Watkins Memorial Health Center; Student Health Services publication, "Exam Stress: 6 Ways to Cope." The National Institutes of Health
What do you think? HOW DO YOU STAY HEALTHY AND SANE DURING FINALS WEEK? BY ALEXANDRA GERRY
SARAH KOERPER
Overland Park freshman
"Drink lots of water and get lots of sleep."
LINUS COY Chicago junior
"I've done this several times and so I know, no matter what happens, you still have to take the test and it's going to go how it's going to go. It's nice when you have friends doing the same thing; study groups are good."
GRACE CHIN McPherson freshman "That's the problem-I really don't. Staying healthy takes a back seat to staying conscious."
STEVEN SWEAT Chicago graduate student "I don't think I ever did - I stayed unhealthy, especially as an RA because I had to check people out during finals week. I think the important thing is to make a little bit of time every day for fun."
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MAY 12, 2008