Work Hard, Work Smart, Work Out: Conquering Exam Stress
November 28, 2018
Gabriela Mims- Marketing Employee
It’s nearing the end of the semester, and with that comes—you guessed it—final exams. Final exams are possibly the most dreaded facet of a college career. You work the entire semester writing papers, creating projects, and studying loads of materials to take a test to see if you learned what you were supposed to learn. Finals are an important part of university; however, they can trigger a lot of stress that can actually inhibit your ability to perform your best. Taking a break from your studies to work out—or even just practice your breathing—can be a tremendous help as you prepare for finals.
Breathing/Meditation
Although breathing is natural, and we do it every minute of every day, practicing breathing exercises can be a huge help to conquering exam stress. By deep breathing, you increase oxygen flow to your brain while simultaneously giving your mind a break from studying. If you take 5 minutes to focus on your breath, you’ll find that your mind will function better, and you’ll be able to finally focus on that paper you’ve been trying to write.
Yoga
If you have a little longer than 5 minutes, think about doing some yoga. Yoga can ease tension in your body, as it releases a calming chemical in your brain which can alleviate your pre-exam nerves. Stretching your muscles will also release endorphins and help jumpstart your body’s natural detoxifying processes.
Running
Yoga isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if it’s not yours, maybe try going for a run. Running boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which can make you feel more relaxed and motivated to study. Taking a break to exercise can also help relieve your mind and give you much-needed headspace.
If you find that none of these activities interest you, that’s okay. Exercise of any kind can give you the break you need to stay motivated as you study. Finals don’t have to be stressful if you know how to combat stress!
Work out, work hard, and work well on your finals!
And stop by our Candlelight Yoga Workshop if you have time!