Finals are almost here! Deadlines are coming to an end, while finals are just around the corner. Finals week can be a stressful time. That is why it is important to take care of yourself during these times. It is important to stay as healthy as possible, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Below are a few tips to take into consideration as finals week slides into play. If you are ever too stressed out and need someone to talk to or help you with something, the Student Life Services will gladly insist on helping you with your needs.

When time becomes an issue, some students may think it is more important to study than sleep, but actual research states the opposite. It is proven that our bodies need at least 8 hours or more of sleep a night in order to function properly. If you get less sleep, your body is not able to perform to its best of ability. The more sleep you get also decreases your risk of getting sick and gives you a stronger immune system. This is super important because who wants to be sick while trying to study for exams, especially for those who cram the day of or the day before? It is important that when you are sleeping you are going to bed throughout the week at the same time and waking up at the same time.

Another tip on being less stressed during finals week is getting proper nutrition and hydration. This means eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner! No excuses. Your body needs fuel for the day to get work done. If you want to be able to concentrate, it is important to fuel the body. Even if it is a donut, you need to eat it. Any food is better than no food at all. Make sure you eat some snacks throughout the day as well this will keep your body well balanced. Bananas, apples, oranges, all are good pieces of food to snack on throughout the day.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, one way to help calm yourself is to take a break. Walk away from your desk get up and move around. By moving around, it allows your brain to stimulate in different areas, which helps you later on when studying. There are known facts and statistics that state working out before studying helps you retain information easer then no working out. If the weather is nice, maybe take a five minute break and walk around the quad or the Deacon parking lot.

Another way to find relaxation is through prayer or meditation. Do you have a safe place you go to when you are upset? It is important to have your own place when feeling over the top. By having your own special place, it allows you to concentrate on what you want to be focusing on, with many less distractions. The Lord will always be there for you whenever you need Him. That is one safe spot, and He can be found anywhere. Meditation is always good because it allows you to focus on your breathing, which then helps you not focus on anything else, which is a rest within itself.

Please take these ideas with you as we enter the final week of classes before finals. Your health is crucial on how well you do in the classroom and in life. Remember the Student Life Center will be there for you if needed. Also, there is the Student Success Learning Center that is open throughout the day as well that can help you specifically with school work and in whatever subject you need help in. Do not forget to smile! It is contagious and why not show off that pretty smile?