UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

During Finals

     Finals week is the culmination of months of hard work, effort, preparation and perseverance. But it's also very much a stress-filled time.

Below are some helpful ways to manage your stress during even the most demanding times. So before you pull your hair out, try out some techniques designed to prep your body and mind for conquering what lies ahead.

Take a study break

When you think of finals in college, the first image that might pop into your head is a marathon studying session spent in the library, trying to absorb every last bit of knowledge you can. But this is actually counterproductive.

Taking breaks every few hours when studying has been shown to improve energy and memory retention. So get up, stretch out and put your mind at ease for a while before diving back into the books.

Study smart!

You've got all your books and notes laid out in front of you and your favorite highligter in hand. Your headphones are pumping out the perfect study mix. But that's only half the battle.

Finals week is a time when concentration often starts to wane. After all, the weather outside is improving and you've got the freedom of summer on your mind. With these tips, however, you can organize your studying routine and maximize your efficiency.

Test your best!

All your hard work has led to this: the day of the exam. One of the best ways to remove stress from the end-of-the-year equation is to simply be prepared.

If you feel as though anxiety is one of your biggest enemies on test day, there are ways to manage and even overcome it. Study strong, believe in yourself and good luck!