This is a Sponsored Post courtesy of Chegg.com
With finals season upon us, use these helpful tricks to avoiding stress this month:
Avoid stressful people.
It might seem like a no-brainer, but stress actually is contagious. During finals week, resist scheduling a study session with your high-anxiety friend, especially if she’s complaining about all the work she has to do. Her stress will only add to your stress.
Eat healthy and exercise.
Do yourself (and your brain) a favor and skip the sugar which will make you crash. Instead, choose snacks like oatmeal, lean proteins, fruits and veggies to keep your blood sugar in check. If you’re studying for a long period of time, make sure you’re drinking enough fluids, and not the sugary, caffeine-filled kind. Stick to water, herbal tea and, if necessary, coffee. Also, try to get some form of exercise. Even a 10 minute walk will leave your head clear and more focused.
Manage your time
Time management and scheduling is important to avoiding stress during this time crunch. Use a time calendar to keep track of your final schedule along with the times that you will study. Not much time left for socializing? Keep your goals in mind. It will help making short-term sacrifices easier. Remember, you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate and catch up with friends after finals.
Make it a point to take breaks
For every hour of work, take a 10 minute break. Let yourself do whatever you want for those 10 minutes (check Facebook, take a walk, stare off into space, call a friend, etc.), then start working again. This gives your brain a much deserved break and will help keep you focused when you are actually doing work.
Take advantage of free and affordable online tools
Companies like Chegg help you get your questions answered in real time with Homework Help, and allow you to buy and sell Class Notes and study guides through its academic marketplace. You can even get your essays proofread by experts for as little as $12/month. If you’re cramming late, you should consider attending the Chegg All Nighter on December 12. For one entire night, homework help experts from Chegg will be available on Facebook and Twitter to answer any study questions on any subject. Services like those from Chegg help you save time and get smarter.
Visualize it all going right
Imagine yourself taking the exam and feeling confident that you know all the answers. Picture acing the test and focus on how relaxed you feel. Then picture the A on your test paper. When you imagine a happy ending, that’s often what happens, because you make the decisions that lead to it without even realizing.
Be punctual
Arrive at the classroom about five to ten minutes prior to the testing time. Leave plenty of time for parking, using the restroom and finding a good seat. But be sure not to arrive too early because this could cause test anxiety.
Just relax
Remember that it is OK and natural to feel some concern and anxiety over tests. This will help you focus on the task that lies ahead. Make sure you have an attitude of confidence as you go into the test. Try to leave all distractions and worries at the door so you can focus on the test.
