It is that time of the semester again when we hear from so many of you that you are too stressed out. We thought it might be helpful to remember that:

  • “My work will get done, it will be over soon, and then there will be time for relaxation and celebration.”
  • “This is a hectic time, but I don’t have to give in to it. Stress will make me frustrated and worn out, not a better writer or test taker.”
  • “I’ve done this before and got through it, I can trust myself that I’ll do it again this time.”
  • “I’m not giving up and handing myself over to this thing called stress. I will prove to myself that I have the confidence and resilience to succeed.”
  • Check out the full Psychology Today article here for more tips.
  • Check out the Student Life Stress Reduction Techniques page.

Remember to take breaks from studying as often as you can. Take a walk, stretch, chat with friends, eat a healthy meal, or indulge in a not-so-healthy meal – whatever works for you!

If you get to the point of feeling overly anxious, try to follow this 4-7-8 breathing technique:

  1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
  2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
  3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
  4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
  5. This is one breath.
  6. Repeat.

Best of luck to all approaching these final busy days that are upon us!