The end of the semester is nearly upon us, and finals-induced panic is starting to set in. I know it's really hard to de-stress when all you can think about is how stressed out you are, but the fact is stressing will not help you at all. It'll just make you feel even worse than any sleep-deprived college student should have to feel. So, in case you are having trouble keeping your cool because the pressure of studying for finals is driving you crazy, here are a few tips for how to get rid of your stress and conquer your finals.
1. Take Deep Breaths
I know you've probably heard this a thousand times, but breathing deeply really can help you calm your nerves. Just take 10, 20, 30 or 40 seconds –however many you need – and take deep breaths, in and out. Try breathing deeply in through your nose and holding it for a moment before releasing it through your mouth in a controlled flow.
2. Meditate
This is sort of similar to number one in that it involves deep breaths, but it has a different purpose and process. You don't have to be in any particular or special place when you're meditating – just make sure you're comfortable. Sit down somewhere (or lie down), and take deep breaths, in and out. As you breathe deeply, count each breath as you inhale and exhale (so one breath in and out counts as just one breath). Count to five, then start over and repeat the process. Now, keep doing the breathing and counting, but start to focus on yourself.
This could mean that you focus on the feeling of the air coming out of your nose or mouth as you exhale, or you could focus on the feeling of your stomach rising and falling as you breathe, or you could even focus on your heartbeat. So long as you are focusing on something that is directly connected to you. Even five minutes of this can help to decrease stress, because you are taking those five minutes and essentially forgetting about the outside world so you can just focus on you.
3. Take a Break
Sometimes you just need some time away from the textbooks and the studying. If you feel like your brain is completely stuffed and you couldn't cram more information if you tried, you're probably right. Sometimes it really is better to step away for a little while and take a break. Give yourself some time to do something you enjoy. If you're afraid that you won't get back to your studying, set a timer on your phone for how long you want to take a break for, and when it goes off just brace yourself and get back to work. You can do it!
4. Be Positive
Be confident of your success. If you tell yourself you will do well on your exam no matter what, chances are you will do well on your exam. If, on the other hand, you tell yourself that you're going to fail and that there is nothing you can do to succeed, well, then you're right. You won't be able to do well. Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're probably right." It's called a self-fulfilled prophecy. If you tell yourself you can do something, you will be able to do it. You will find a way to make it happen. But if you go on telling yourself that you can't do it, you're only selling yourself short, because you really would be able to do it if you put your mind to it.
5. Listen to Music
Music can be a great outlet for our emotions. If you're really stressed, listen to some of your favorite music. Or, if you have certain kinds of music that you listen to when you're in a bad mood or upset, try listening to some of that. I, for example, listen to Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin when I'm mad, but when I'm stressed I'll either listen to happy music (like Christmas music), or classical music (it's very calming). Do what works best for you – whatever it takes to get you to your happy place.
6. Remind Yourself that Life Moves On
Your entire future does not ride on this one, measly college exam. Most employers aren't going to ask to see your grades, let alone your exam grade from one, specific class. Just remind yourself that, like Annie said, "The sun will come out tomorrow."
I wish you all the best of luck on your exams. Just remember –be positive! As long as you remain confident that you will succeed, you will pass with flying colors. Good luck!
