5 Ways to Kiss Midterms Stress Goodbye

It’s almost that time again every college student dreads. The unnecessary abundance of stress brought on by midterms cause a storm cloud of pre-test nerves above our heads. Yet the most frustrating part is that, in letting this anxiety get the best of us, it distracts us from our academic potential and test taking ability. Here are some ways to reduce these jitters and ease the tension.

1.Be Prepared..obviously.

Don’t be one of those students who walks in five minutes late and didn’t even know there was a test. Then on top of that, not even have a pencil. The good thing about midterms (if you can believe there is one) is that we are given plenty of notice to allow time for midnight study sessions. Don’t cram all the information into one sleepless night, fueled by energy drinks. Time management is key for decreasing the overwhelming feeling of academic stress.

2.SLEEP!

Staying up until the sun makes an appearance, just to get a last minute review is just a terrible idea. Without the Z’s and increased blood pressure, you’re basically asking for a migraine. Put down the cell phone, since being concerned about what bar your friends are at, won’t help. Give in to your fatigue, because sleeping is such a rare luxury for college students. You will wake up more refreshed and less anxious, without dreaming that you accidentally slept through your first test.

3.Make Your Own Study Guide

Flash cards are old news, and they get lost more easily than tourists in another country. Instead, try an upgraded version of self-testing. Nothing says prepared more than a well put together study sheet. Highlight key concepts, make a list of relevant facts, and make an effective outline. Remember to stay organized!

4.Exercise

Whether you jog for the adrenaline rush, or just to push yourself to get that runner’s high, running is a natural stress reliever and promotes health benefits. Exercising allows us to release energy brought on by emotions and stress. Make a personalized up beat playlist to jam out to while you test out the new Nikes. Use the gym, or walk outdoors with friends, as an outlet to leave the stress of school, in the classroom where it belongs. You will be burning fat, anxiety and working on those curves all at the same time. So, plug in your headphones and sweat your anxiety away.

5.Study with Friends

You’re all in the same boat, so grab a mini study group and start conversing. Sharing and combining knowledge and class notes increases your chances of better understanding the subject. Comparing notes can potentially provide course material that you may have missed. Discussions will allow for questions and help finding solutions to problems and concepts you were unsure of.

We can all agree, midterms really ruin the middle of the semester. But with these useful and reasonable tips, your chances of pulling your hair out over studying, will decrease. College students give midterms the dramatic rep they have, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Take a deep inhale and relax. And if a good grade wasn’t your only incentive, just remember that your next stop is Spring Break!