It’s the week before finals and you are feeling stressed. Stress is inevitable and an essential part of life. However, not preparing yourself to automatically cope with stress can be potentially harmful. Here are some tips to help you successfully manage this difficult period in the semester.

• 1. Don’t “should” on yourself. (Worksheet for Creating Positive Self-Statements is attached.)
• Get your rest. Exhaustion decreases ability to cope with stress.
• Eat balanced meals. Sugar highs and lows often translate into emotional highs and lows.
• Don’t take stimulants. Although it’s tempting to artificially boost one’s energy, stimulants more often give the user a false sense of well being.
• Don’t psyche yourself up to fail. (See #1.)
• Commit yourself to a review schedule. Even if this means cramming, a schedule will increase your chances of success and decrease your levels of anxiety.
• Plan a reward system. Do not wait until you’re done to celebrate; identify ways you will reward yourself during the process.
• Practice taking tests. Review your own previous tests in the class or check with your instructor for sample tests. For a MATH test – review problems discussed in class.
• Think positively and challenge yourself to do the best you can. (See #1.)
• Concentrate on the “here and now.” Use the attached Relaxation Techniques to help yourself come together in the present.