How do I manage my stress during finals?

It can be overwhelming to have multiple projects, papers, and exams all due around the same time. Here are some tips to help manage stress during finals:

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Make a plan 

Write down all your assignments and their due dates. Block specific time to complete each assignment. By writing things down, you can alleviate the mental burden of holding everything in your head! 

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Take time for yourself 

Spending all your time studying can lead to feeling burned out, so try to carve out some time (even just 5-10 minutes) to exercise, get fresh air, or do an activity you enjoy to reduce your stress levels and help you be more productive.

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Try to get sleep

Pulling all-nighters can seem like an efficient way to get your work done, but lack of sleep affects memory retention, your ability to concentrate, and can lead you to feel even more stressed. Try to prioritize sleep so you are able to focus when studying or writing a paper.

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Practice breathing exercises

Taking deep breaths can help reduce stress in the moment. Focusing on your breath grounds you in the present and can help pause the racing thoughts you may have about all your work. Breathing exercises can be done anywhere, even during a final exam, and can help you feel calmer pretty quickly.

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If you are struggling with managing stress, it can help to talk to someone.  Reach out to a friend or family member if you are feeling overwhelmed. You can always make an appointment to talk to a therapist on the Caraway Care Team to discuss other strategies to manage stress.

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