By THE COUNSELING CENTER
Finals are a bittersweet time of year. They come as we are ready to end the semester and start looking forward to summer. However, finals bring with it the realization of deadlines for projects, presentations, and final exams. Finishing the semester online has been a big adjustment for students, faculty, and staff; we all want to end the semester on a positive note.
Let’s do just that!
Organize and prioritize your work:
- Use a calendar or planner to see when everything is due. Set up time for each assignment based upon difficulty.
- Share your calendar with those at home with you so they can give you space and let them know that you need to get work done.
- Scheduling can also eliminate the “all-nighter,” which increases stress and decreases productivity.
- Don’t wait until the last minute for larger projects. You may need to ask for assistance or help with revisions. There may not be enough time to get all the help you need only hours before your assignment is due.
- If you have a study guide, answer all the questions in detail. It is probably what your professor thinks is most important and will probably be on the exam.
Continue to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods and drinking non-sugary, non-caffeinated beverages. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. A healthy routine can make you feel better, help you focus, and be more productive.
Use some of the self-care practices you have developed to decrease stress:
- Take breaks and recharge yourself with mediation, deep breathing, watching animals online, going outside (while maintaining social distancing), etc.
- Connect with friends and family to put things into perspective
- Set aside time for those things you enjoy
- Visit the virtual Stress-Free Week virtual week activities sponsored by the Counseling Center.
Ask for help when you need it:
- Contact your professor and ask for clarification about anything you’re confused with and/or to make sure you are on the right path. A little Zoom time with your professor may help a great deal.
- Contact the library for help with finding sources for your paper.
- Contact the Academic Success Center to discuss your issues.
- Writing center appointments can help you organize and help with your paper or assignment.
- Study Clusters and tutors can help with your course work.
- Contact the counseling center about test anxiety. Sometimes just the thought of taking a test can cause stress, no matter how prepared you are.
If you would like to discuss finals week stress, or any other topic that may be on your mind, please reach out to the Counseling Center. Please call 518-454-5200 or email counseling@strose.edu with any topics or questions. Follow us on Instagram @csrcounselingctr to learn about upcoming events.
