With finals coming fast, there is no need to push yourself to your breaking point due to the stress of the end of the semester. Everyone is in the same mindset of ‘crunch-time’ so just know that you are not alone.
College students have an extraordinary amount of stress surrounding them, more than at any other level of education. This type of stress can come from many directions, including academics, finances and personal relationships, along with just the overall idea of performing well.
According to an ACHA-National College Health Assessment II national research survey, finals and midterms accounted as the top source of stress for 31% of U.S. college students.
Feelings of depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, irritability and difficulty concentrating may arise but those are completely normal symptoms of stress.
The gloomy feelings that college students have during finals week may result in negative coping mechanisms. Coping mechanisms can range on a level of severity from biting your nails and overeating to substance abuse of alcohol or drugs.
According to the article “Stress Coping Strategies among College Students: A Case in the College of Education, Eritrea Institute of Technology,” students use substance abuse for stress relief and the use was a critical contributing factor to undesirable health consequences.
Being aware of your coping mechanism is the first step to changing their direction towards a positive path.
College students may not know about the resources that they can reach out to or even do on their own to combat stress.
The University of La Verne offers several on-campus resources to help, including the office of Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS offers in-person counseling as well as phone or video appointments. Call 909-448-4105 or email CAPS@laverne.edu to book an appointment.
The Academic Success Center offers services for anyone who feels they are struggling or falling behind in their class material. ASC services include tutoring, academic coaching, classroom support, faculty and staff support, workshops for the campus community, the development of student resources and placement testing. These resources are available in-person or online. They also offer a finals week prep list, so if interested in seeking this support call 909-448-4342 or email asc@laverne.edu.
If these options are not in your comfort zone, there are plenty of actions you can take on your own time to relieve some of the finals week stress.
Going on a walk, hanging out with friends, meditation and reading are all manageable ways to reduce stress in your life.
Campus Labs is a one-stop-shop for many events related to reducing the stress during finals week that can be an entertaining yet mind-easing experience to have with your friends.
Finals week is one of the most dreaded weeks of the entire semester but do not let it get in your way of doing your best on final projects or exams. There is plenty of on-campus support at your fingertips, so use them to your advantage.
Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.
