Tag: Sarah Samson

Attending college can be exciting, yet stressful — especially during finals.

A 2013 survey conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute reported that more than 30 percent of all college freshman often felt overwhelmed.

ACC students are no exception and have their own ways of dealing with stress.

“I have a job and sometimes have to pick up my brother and make dinner for my family,” Analee Cantu, a music student at the Northridge Campus, said. “I get up really early to make breakfast and do homework.”

Cantu plays classical music while reading to create a relaxing atmosphere and said she likes to avoid unnecessary stress by not waiting until the last minute to study. She is also careful to get enough sleep and ask for help when needed.

“I know lot of people don’t actually seek help,” Cantu said. “Seeking help is not an embarrassing thing. It can actually save you from an ugly letter grade you might have gotten without any help.”

Although grades are not everything, they are an important indication of performance. Business major Heidi McCallum said, “Keeping up a good GPA is a source of stress, and I get stressed the most right before the exam.”

McCallum relieves her stress through hiking and other outdoor activities but also places great importance on being ready for exams.

“Be prepared. Know the material so you are not stressed about it,” McCallum said. “Study what you are uncertain about, more than the things that you already know.”

Student Marco Gutierrez said he stay plans to take time off from his job ona

so he’ll have plenty of time to write his final papers and study for his exams. He also plans to get a massage during finals week.

Zarina Adams said she plans to get a lot of sleep and eat well so she feels well enough to spend most of her free time studying. Adams said finals week is especially stressful for her because she suffers from test anxiety.

Here are some tips students can use to manage stress during finals:

• Write out a schedule which includes study time.

• Sweat it out — try an exercise class, or go for a run or walk before studying.

• Say no to distractions and try not to spend too much time on social media

• Don’t skip meals.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Allow time for proper sleep.

• Stop and breathe

• De clutter . Clean your desk to create a space where you can focus.

• For every hour you study, take a 10-15 minute break.

• Try an activity like baking or cooking to help silence racing thoughts.

• Listen to music while you study.

• Avoid stressful people.

• Visualize everything going right.

• If you’ve studied all you can, feel confident.

• Remind yourself that it will all be over soon.

• Don’t wait until the night before to study for a final exam or write your final paper.

• Talk to someone.