Exams are a touchy subject. Caffeine levels, sleep deprivation and anxiety levels are building. Finals and the inevitability of the future can be stressful for many, so self-care is crucial to stay positive. Here are five tips to help avoid the crash and burn:
Mental health matters
According to a 2018 report from the American College Health Association, more than 60 percent of college students said they had experienced overwhelming anxiety in the past year, and 12 percent of students said they seriously considered suicide.
Counseling and Psychological Services is available to students all year but especially during finals. Anyone can stop in on the third floor of Hudson Health Center for drop-in hours from 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. At drop-ins, students can see a counselor or get set up with regular appointments.
If students can’t go to drop-in, there are other resources. If they need to speak to a counselor after hours, they can call CPS 24/7 at 740-593-1616. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number is 1-800-273-8255, and the Crisis Text Line is 741-741.
But first, coffee
If there was an IV for coffee, college students would be the main demographic, especially during finals. Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 W. Washington St., understands that finals season is a 24-hour marathon and annually is open 24 hours to help students study.
Study in sessions
Cramming won’t help, especially when the study environment isn’t conducive. Try to form study groups, which helps process the information better and creates an atmosphere that invites questions and answers about the material. If the session is at Alden Library, check out #FinalsbyAlden, which is a program that the library puts on to help ease finals stress.
Make the local rounds
Even though the exams can be stressful, it’s important to remember that you probably won’t be back in Athens until August. Take this week to splurge a little and visit the favorite spots, like Bagel Street Deli, 27 S. Court St., and Union Street Diner, 70 W. Union St. It’s OK to enjoy this week, too.
Get out and smell the roses
It’s important to put down the textbook and take a walk. Being holed up in the library or a coffee shop can make it feel like finals overshadow the real world. Try to get out and pack a picnic with friends at one of the many outdoor hubs Athens has to offer. From The Ridges to Bong Hill, there are beautiful spots to see the sunset other than College Green.
