Stress Awareness Month: Managing end-of-semester stress and workload

By Brianna Brinker, Staff Writer

With April being the last month of the semester, it can get stressful easily with final exams, presentations, and end-of-term papers.

April recognizes Stress Awareness Month and regarding college, it is a crucial time when students are turning in their last assignments and cramming for their final exams.

It is hard managing stress and workload while maintaining good mental health. Here are some ways for students to stay on track in school while keeping up with their mental health:

Tip #1- Take breaks: Taking breaks from doing assignments or while studying can help calm down your anxiety, stress levels and clear your mind. Go for a walk outside and listen to music.

If you study for hours on end, it will become easy to lose motivation and get distracted. Get a snack, watch an episode of a TV show, or take a nap. Taking a 30 to 60-minute break can help increase your focus and mindset.

Tip #2- Don’t wait until the last minute: If you wait until the last day to work on a paper or to study for an exam, stress levels will increase. You will be more focused on getting it done quickly rather than obtaining a good grade on this assignment or exam.

Take a couple of days to work on the paper. Take a day for research, a day for writing, and a day for editing. Starting earlier gives you more time to focus on the material and will reduce stress levels.

The same applies to studying. Take a few days to study your material, a day for each chapter. It will help your nerves, and your grades.

Tip #3- Balance workload and social life: It is difficult to balance workload, still have fun and keep up with friendships. Doing something fun or having something to look forward to assists with stress levels.

If you are working on homework for a couple of hours but you know you’re going to get ice cream with friends afterward, you have something to look forward to! Go out and do something you’re going to be excited for, it makes your days better and helps with keeping a positive mindset.

Tip #4- Make it fun: Go to a coffee shop with friends and help each other study. You can make studying more fun by having a delicious drink while being with people you love. Make study cards, quiz each other, or practice your speeches with each other. Make it fun, it doesn’t always have to be stressful.

“I work out and try to eat right. I also try to take time for myself doing things that I like such as, reading!” said Rosie Feiler, a freshman majoring in criminal justice.

Tip #5- Take it easy: School is important, but so is your mental health. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it easy and go at your own pace.

While doing presentations, don’t rush through it and let your anxiety build up. Take it one word at a time. Final exams can be nerve-racking. Remember to go slow with each question and find your own unique ways to remember the material.

“Stress can have a negative effect on any student. It can negatively affect their relationships, distract them from what is important, hindering their productivity,” said Dr. Audrea Maxwell, a student success coach. 

Maxwell offers some tips to students on how to deal with stress while keeping up with mental health.

1. Get enough sleep (aim for 7 – 8 hours).
2. Turn off the cellphone at bedtime. 
3. Develop a regular exercise routine. 
4. Listen to relaxing music. 

“Using strategies, such as those suggested above, can help students cope better with the stress they may face, thus providing more positivity along with the idea that each day is filled with a purpose for them,” said Maxwell.

The last month of college can be extremely stressful, but just remember to take deep breaths and be nice to yourself. Take in these tips and follow through with them. You got this, Lions!