Pilots Prevent
April 20, 2021
Finals week is almost here, but before students can relish their relief at finishing another academic year, they first need to make it through a couple more weeks of pre-exam anxiety. While there’s no substitute for giving yourself plenty of time to study and prepare, remember that a little mindfulness can go a long way too.
“Our students are high achievers and they’ll often use break days to catch up on work and hunker down, but they can really benefit from taking more breaks and thinking of themselves more holistically,” says James Peña, wellness education and prevention program coordinator for Residence Life. “While they’re here to be students, they need to remember the importance of breaks and taking care of their overall health.”
Peña says this year it’s more important than ever to give your mind and body a break from all the screen time. “Step away from the computer and the phone as well,” he says. “Try as much as possible to unplug, which can lead to the ability to check in more honestly with yourself and see where you are in terms of stress that can be addressed.”
Being stressed out and anxious can lead to a host of health problems, not to mention difficulty sleeping, concentrating and remembering — not exactly conducive to performing well on a test. Instead of letting stress get the upper hand, take steps to get it under control and give your mind and body a break.
“Get outside, get some fresh air and some sun,” says Pena. “I’m a big fan of exercise, it’s some of the best medicine we have. But it doesn’t have to be Crossfit, just a walk can be helpful.”
Another proven stress-reliever? Play. “Finding things that feel a bit more reminiscent of their childhood can be a helpful way to relax,” says Pena. “Take the time to be silly and playful. Relax and be in the moment.”
The upcoming Wellness Day on Wednesday, April 21, will offer plenty of opportunities to forget the books for a while and have fun. And next Thursday the Health and Counseling Center will be handing out ice cream sandwiches around campus. Plus, residence halls are always organizing something fun and completely un-academic, perfect for blowing off steam.
Surviving—and thriving—during these final weeks really just requires being mindful about more than your studies. Prioritize getting some exercise and enough sleep. Take a break and connect with people even for just a short while.
“Work hard, study hard, give it your best, but remember that in the grand scheme of things it’s just one exam,” says Peña. “Your college experience is more than this. Sometimes it helps to keep that in perspective.”
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