As finals approach, students find themselves having to write papers and study for multiple tests in a short amount of time. Tight deadlines and other time commitments can cause students to feel stressed.

According to the University’s Counseling Center, “stress is the ‘wear and tear’ our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings.“

Here are seven ways to prevent stress:

1| Know your limits.

Set realistic goals, try not to overcommit yourself and do not be afraid to say no.

2| Take breaks.

Schedule study breaks, get a snack or watch your favorite TV show to give your mind a break.

3| Hang out with friends.

Go out to dinner or a movie, and use this a way to relax and express your feelings.

4| Exercise a few times a week and eat nutritious meals.

Exercise 30 to 40 minutes as a way to relax. Eat nutritious meals to build up your resistance level to avoid getting sick.

5| Make time to sleep.

Get enough sleep and keep a consistent sleep schedule.

6| Manage time wisely.

Keep a calendar or set reminders on smartphones, computers, iPads, tablets, etc.

7| Don’t wait until the last minute to study or write a paper.

Allot enough time to write your paper or study a little bit each day before the deadline to avoid cramming.

Ariana is a junior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].