The Online Reflector

Many students may find themselves wondering how they plan on cramming two months of knowledge into their already overcrowded craniums for mid-term exams. Tips on reducing stress and preparing for tests may help students survive the dreaded week.

The University of Indianapolis health services Web site gives students information on how to identify stress, including physical, behavioral and cognitive symptoms.

Physically, students may experience a change in breathing, heart rate and perspiration. Other symptoms include headaches, backaches, muscle tension, dry mouth and tightening in the chest.

Classmates, friends and professors may notice a change in behavior as well. A stressed student could be irritable, sensitive, emotional and absentminded.

Students facing cognitive symptoms could have a hard time concentrating, experience negative thoughts and be easily distracted.

Preparing for mid-terms can cause many students to experience a number of these symptoms.

Dr. Tammie Dones, a counselor in the health center, said that, in order to help relieve this stress, students should maintain good self-care. This includes eating a healthy meal, getting exercise and getting plenty of sleep the night before an exam. Always plan ahead to make sure you have time to include other activities, not just studying, into your day.

“Of course, planning ahead to where you’re not stuck with a stretch of studying that’s hours long is helpful,” Dones said.

Once self-care is established, students can tackle their academic requirements, but only after focusing, prioritizing and keeping in mind that this test or that grade is not the most important thing in life.

“It doesn’t help your stress when you think something is just absolutely life or death,” Dones said.

A lot of students like to prepare for exams in their own, personalized way. Freshman Jessica Taskey reviews her notes. She also likes to create her own study guide derived from the one given to her by professors.

To relax, Taskey will take a half-an-hour to an hour break and talk to her friends or grab lunch or dinner. Like many students, Taskey will also get on her laptop to surf the Web during a break.

Some students may even start preparing a week in advance. Getting an early start allows junior Sarah McClary to study little by little, especially when she has a lot to do.

McClary said she watches “Food Network” and “Family Guy” to help relax during preparation.

Junior Gregory Green, who studies 20 hours a week for organic chemistry, said he likes to relax by going to the gym and getting a nice core workout. During his excessive study hours, Gregory turns off his television and leaves the ‘XBOX’ on the shelf so he can focus. Students who live in Warren Hall may even find him playing ping pong in the lobby to let loose.

Starting a week in advance, reviewing notes and studying more than 15 hours a week are effective methods of preparing for exams.

Relaxation tactics, such as taking a long break, talking to friends, getting on the Web, playing a game of ping pong or exercising could help during this week as well.

For more tips, visit http://healthservices.uindy.edu/counseling_center.php