Taking Care of Yourself During Exam Season
By Miller Rogers
October 16, 2024
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during midterm season. With all the exams, essays, and pressure to keep your grades up yet, it’s crucial to take time to protect your mental health as well.
University of Maryland students shared their opinions on why they are stressed during exam season.
Ronnie Dominguez, a freshman in the letters sciences program, says the stress comes from “The stakes at this level of academics is much higher for me as I just entered college and is pressuring me to put as much effort as possible to make sure I can succeed. My future career depends on my current, present-day choices.”
Briana Robison, a freshman business management major, blames the stress of exams on “not studying.”
Owen Walker, a freshman engineering student, said he has very little stress. "Because I’ve studied and still have time to study, plus bad grades do not define you,” Walker said.
While exam stress might be inevitable, there are many ways to combat stress and anxiety.
The University of Maryland attempts to tackle students' stress during exam and midterm seasons by giving recommendations to students and faculty
According to the counseling center, professors should ask about the students' exam preparation and time management skills, suggest helpful study strategies and exam preparation techniques, and encourage students to form a study group for the course to provide academic and psychological support.
The university also holds some events as part of its wellness series. These events allow students to learn skills to cope with stress or master mindfulness.
Even professors are taking steps to ensure their students feel less stressed about their upcoming midterms and exams; for instance, Ronnie Dominguez, who takes Math 115, insists his professor, Dr. Gruber, tells his students to be patient with themselves and tells his students to keep “reflecting on your study practices and asking questions, you’ll make progress!”
There are other ways students can combat midterm stress.
Students can create healthy sleep habits with consistent sleep schedules to optimize focus and memory retention.
Exercise regularly to release stress and boost mood. Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Create a structured study plan by breaking down material into manageable chunks and creating a study schedule to help avoid last-minute cramming. Remember to incorporate short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout.
Allow yourself social support. Talk to friends, family, or counselors to share concerns and gain emotional support. Always remember your abilities and focus on progress rather than potential setbacks.
If needed, seek help. Contact a professor, advisor, or mental health professional if stress becomes overwhelming.
University of Maryland students shared their opinions on why they are stressed during exam season.
Ronnie Dominguez, a freshman in the letters sciences program, says the stress comes from “The stakes at this level of academics is much higher for me as I just entered college and is pressuring me to put as much effort as possible to make sure I can succeed. My future career depends on my current, present-day choices.”
Briana Robison, a freshman business management major, blames the stress of exams on “not studying.”
Owen Walker, a freshman engineering student, said he has very little stress. "Because I’ve studied and still have time to study, plus bad grades do not define you,” Walker said.
While exam stress might be inevitable, there are many ways to combat stress and anxiety.
The University of Maryland attempts to tackle students' stress during exam and midterm seasons by giving recommendations to students and faculty
According to the counseling center, professors should ask about the students' exam preparation and time management skills, suggest helpful study strategies and exam preparation techniques, and encourage students to form a study group for the course to provide academic and psychological support.
The university also holds some events as part of its wellness series. These events allow students to learn skills to cope with stress or master mindfulness.
Even professors are taking steps to ensure their students feel less stressed about their upcoming midterms and exams; for instance, Ronnie Dominguez, who takes Math 115, insists his professor, Dr. Gruber, tells his students to be patient with themselves and tells his students to keep “reflecting on your study practices and asking questions, you’ll make progress!”
There are other ways students can combat midterm stress.
Students can create healthy sleep habits with consistent sleep schedules to optimize focus and memory retention.
Exercise regularly to release stress and boost mood. Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Create a structured study plan by breaking down material into manageable chunks and creating a study schedule to help avoid last-minute cramming. Remember to incorporate short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout.
Allow yourself social support. Talk to friends, family, or counselors to share concerns and gain emotional support. Always remember your abilities and focus on progress rather than potential setbacks.
If needed, seek help. Contact a professor, advisor, or mental health professional if stress becomes overwhelming.