How to stop worrying before finals
Overthinking is definitely not going to help
Finals are fast approaching, and students are already starting to feel the added stress of days full of testing. Sometimes it can feel like your finals will define your future, so it’s important that you take a step back and find some ways to ease your worries. Here’s what works:
Exercise daily
It’s important to exercise regularly to help keep your anxiety in check. Exercising releases dopamine, which is the chemical that makes you feel happy. Who doesn’t want to feel happier?Even just a 10 minute walk can make all the difference.
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You’re not alone. Thousands of UCLA Bruins come together daily to make light of their worries, and the solidarity can really put your mind at ease.
Spend time with friends
Your social life is crucial to your well-being. Going out with friends, enjoying a delicious dinner, or catching a movie together is a great way to take your mind off things, relax, and just have fun.
Make to-do lists
When you feel like you have a million things to get done, it can be helpful to put pen to paper and visually see everything you need to accomplish. Add the dates you want to complete each task by in order to help yourself set more concrete goals that are easier to focus on.
Get outside
Sometimes all you need is a breath of fresh air and some change of scenery. Studying outside can help you feel less claustrophobic, giving you an open space to think.
Take study breaks
As soon as you feel like you aren’t remembering what you’re reading or that your brain is about to explode, take a break! It’s good to break up your studying so that way you don’t become overwhelmed or feel like you’re cramming. A 10-minute break every 30 minutes or so can really make your studying seem not so monotonous.
Get plenty of sleep
Not sleeping enough is cheating your body out of the rest it totally deserves. School is a full-time job, so give Netflix a break so your brain can take a break!
Eat right
The type of food you put into your body influences how you feel. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help boost your energy and decrease your worries!
Focus on something else
Being involved in other hobbies and activities on campus give you an outlet to concentrate on things besides school, and make some friends you can help you study!
Reward yourself
Always create little ways to incentivize your studying. Like pieces of dark chocolate. Once you reach a small goal, you can eat something sweet. Believe it or not, this is pretty effective!
