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How to Manage Stress During Finals Week

By the Counseling Center

Finals week is just around the corner. Of course, scoring well on final exams and papers is ideal, but it’s best to do so while keeping our stress levels low. Finals week is not the time to lock yourself in the library for hours, drink multiple caffeinated beverages, stop sleeping, and overdose on sugar. Rather, this is where your time management skills are put to the test (no pun intended)! To minimize stress, it is best to work out a detailed timeline that is manageable for you. This includes breaking down big assignments and study schedules for comprehensive exams into smaller pieces. For example, let’s say you have a 10-page paper due: create a detailed timeline for how you will accomplish that task. Perhaps you spend one or two days researching and taking notes, followed by creating an outline, then the next day writing two or three pages, then the following day two more pages, another two pages the next day, and then finally three pages to complete the assignment. In total, this timeline will provide you with a full week of completing the assignment rather than cramming the assignment into one full day’s worth of work. To hold yourself accountable, write your timeline in your planner or on a visible checklist, and add specific details as to where and when you will work on this assignment. Think about a space where you can work productively either on or off campus. 

The same goes for studying. In order to perform your best, it is recommended that you create a detailed timeline for studying, meaning that studying time should be broken down into approximately an hour a day. An hour gives you enough time to dive into the material without the feeling of burnout. Non-stop studying is not helpful, so after studying for an hour or so, take a break. Go on a walk around campus, grab a snack or a hot drink, or chat with a friend. Not sure how to manage multiple assignments or tests? Download the Shovel Study Planner App. The Shovel App tracks the study time needed for each test or assignment. 

Our favorite part of finals week is STRESS FREE WEEK!

Take Advantage of all the Stress-Free Week activities from Dec. 2-6, 2019)! 

We are offering several different events the week before final exams to help you relax and decompress. The event schedule for stress-free week is as follows:

Monday, Dec. 2 

  • Academic Success Center Open Lab Q&A (3:30-5 p.m.) at Albertus Hall 207

Tuesday, Dec. 3 

  • Heart Beatz Drumming- therapeutic drumming (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at EAC Main Lounge
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension- healthy eating/brain food (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at EAC Main Lounge 
  • Guided Meditation (3 p.m.) at the Interfaith Sanctuary

Wednesday, Dec. 4

  • Therapy dogs (5-7 p.m.) at Library
  • Happiness Support Project (4 p.m.) at the Interfaith Sanctuary
  • Yoga (7 p.m.) at the Interfaith Sanctuary

Thursday, Dec. 5

  • Therapy dogs (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at EAC Main Lounge
  • Chair Massages (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at EAC Main Lounge
  • Yoga (1:15 p.m.) at the Interfaith Sanctuary 
  • Celebration of the Seasons (7:30-9:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Sanctuary

Friday, Dec. 6

  • Slime Making Party (2-4 p.m.) at the Library

The Library has mandala coloring sheets and books that can be checked out at the circulation desk, and they will also have jigsaw puzzles and board games available during Stress-Free Week!

If you have any concerns about your mental wellness or any other issues as the semester comes to a close, please visit the College of Saint Rose Counseling Center located at 441 Western Ave. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have any questions, please call 518-454-5200. Follow us on Instagram @csrcounselingctr. 

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