It's the most wonderful (and stressful) time of the year
The most stressful time of the semester ... final exams and the holiday season! Final
exams can really stress us out, and with good reason, your academic success is important.
Below you will find some strategies that may help ease the burden of balancing getting
through the holidays and handling final exams during these unprecedented times.
CREATE A STUDY PLAN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR TIME. Let's say that you have three papers, two exams and a major project due. Count backwards
from the due dates, determine how many days you have and divide up your time for each.
While doing so, keep in mind that you can't do everything in one day. If you would
prefer a study buddy, you now have the ability to study virtually with your classmates
via the CircleIn app. Click here to learn more.
RECOGNIZE YOUR LIMITS. Are you a Liberal Arts major taking chemistry classes? Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Not everyone gets an A in every class. Use virtual resources like your instructor's
office hours, Learning Commons resources or resources through the Bailey Library to help promote your success. Also, stay positive. You're doing great!
TAKE TIME TO RELAX. Taking a walk, playing with your kids/pets, calling a friend, deep breathing or
doing a quick meditation session are some of the many ways we can relax between study
times. Relaxation strategies can help us have better focus and concentration when
we study. Just make sure you return to studying afterwards!
PRACTICE GRATITUDE. We can all agree this year has been a stressful one. Many have experienced uncertainty
and loss like never before. Please know that the WCC Personal Counselors are here
for you if you need additional support. Learn more about WCC's Supportive Services. One other way to begin establishing a path toward peace is to practice gratitude
daily. Begin asking yourself each morning when you wake up, "What am I grateful for?"
Jump on over to the WCC Personal Counselors Instagram page (@WCC_Counseling) to join in our Gratitude Challenge.
HAPPY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS. The holiday season is going to look very different for many of us this year. Our
large family gatherings will be replaced with Zoom celebrations and rather than handing
someone a gift, we may be purchasing it online and shipping it to their home. Regardless
of what your plans look like, we understand that this year may be tough and possibly
even feel more lonely than ever before. It is important to stay virtually connected
with those you love and create new traditions this season to make the most of the
year 2020. Perhaps consider changing up your holiday menu, watching a special holiday
movie or making your favorite holiday treat? Most importantly, though, remember to
give yourself grace. There are brighter days ahead!