Managing Stress During Exams

Finals can be a very stressful time. One of the greatest sources of stress for most college students is feeling like there is not enough time, especially during peak academic demand period like exams.  Although nothing can put more hours in the day, effective time management can go a long way to increasing your productivity and reducing stress.  Here are some tips for using time effectively:

• Prioritize your tasks. Start with the task with the closet deadline or the one most urgent to complete.
• Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on one step at a time.
• Prepare for the unexpected.  Make plans and back-up plans. There is always a chance that something unexpected will occur and throw a wrench into your schedule. Limit stress by making back-up plans in advance. And keep in mind that most of us tend to underestimate how much time we will need to complete a task.
• Think big picture.  Keep a master schedule for all your classes that includes all major assignment dates, dates of exams, and all time commitments you know in advance, such as your work schedule and trips you may have planned.
• Get enough sleep.  It is very tempting during exams to sacrifice sleep to study.  Research shows that lack of sleep reduces memory and concentration.

If you are still finding it difficult to manage your stress and anxiety, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services.  CAPS offers a variety of counseling, psychological and testing services.  Often small problems can be prevented from becoming larger problems by seeking assistance early.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 785-864-2277.

Additional information on both time management and stress management can be found at the Counseling Center Village .