5 Ways to Manage Your Stress Before Finals 

  1. Get plenty of Sleep

Sometimes studying can take over and you are trying to take in as much information as you can before going to sleep. While that may seem like a great idea to some people, it can be very draining and more easy to forget information when you are in a restless state of mind. It is important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before your exam!

  1. Find a “Study buddy”

Personally, I feel more motivated to go study if I have a friend, roommate, or classmate tagging along with me. The library at WCU has many different floors and rooms to accommodate your preferences. It can also be beneficial to study in a change of scenery other than your own home/dorm room.

  1. Exercise

Taking a walk outside or any sort of aerobic exercise has a positive effect on relieving stress. Your overall well-being will be in a better state of mind and you’ll feel more at-ease before taking a test.

  1. Practice Meditation

Studies show that taking deep breaths and closing your eyes almost instantly relax you and will help calm your nerves before taking a test. 

  1. Eat Well

One thing you do not want to do is go in taking a test on an empty stomach. You could potentially lose focus and not answer questions to the best of your ability. Protein-heavy foods like eggs, nuts, avocados, or citrus fruits are highly recommended. Avoid caffeine!