Mercy students are used to working hard. But between balancing classes, doing homework, working on extra credit projects, studying for last minute tests and quizzes, completing final papers, and preparing for final orals and written finals, they have definitely been feeling the stress.
“Now that finals a
re before Christmas break, it has made the holiday season seem a lot busier and crazier,” said junior Madeline Flynn. “I’m definitely stressed, because there’s so much to do in so little time.”
This challenging problem is one that many students will face in the coming days. So what’s a dedicated Mercy student to do? It is essential to manage stress and take time to unwind, but proper planning and effective study habits can also help brighten the brain for peak performance during this hectic season.
Here are some tips that can help you stay energized and push through the last few days of the semester.
- Make studying your priority over the next two weeks and manage your time wisely. Get organized and create a calendar to increase productivity and optimize performance. Study consistently, in shorter periods regularly, and keep an eye on your grades. “Get ahead, don’t procrastinate,” recommends junior Emilia McCotter.
- Eat healthy and exercise. Studies suggest that good nutrition and physical activity can trigger biological processes that enhance an individual’s capacity to learn and develop new skills. Eat a balanced diet to raise energy levels and exercise for half an hour a day to improve cognition. “A good workout awakens me, and I feel refreshed,” said Flynn.
- Getting enough sleep is key to performing well, so take a power nap to refresh. For many it means less stress, improved learning, more efficiency, and better health. “It gets me alert and ready to work for the rest of the evening,” said Flynn.
- Calm down and create moments of peace, especially before bedtime. Remember that staying sane is half the battle; don’t forget to take time to relax. It will all be over soon, and although it is stressful right now, it will be worth it. “If you work hard now,” said junior Emily Binienda, “you’ll enjoy your break more because you did well.”