With only a few weeks until final exams, the stress of your classes can become overwhelming.
There are steps you can take to lower your stress levels as you prepare for finals week. Here are four tips from the psychiatric professionals at the University Health Center to help you manage your stress:
- Practice self-care: Take a break from studying and engage in activities you enjoy. Taking time to relax and recharge can help you reset and refocus on your studies.
- Boost your mood with food: Vitamins and minerals are needed to create certain hormones. Try to eat a balanced diet at each meal, including fruits, vegetables and proteins, and limit sugars to boost your mood and keep you energized.
- Get active: Physical activity releases endorphins that help promote a positive mood, increase focus, and help reduce stress. You don't need to go to the gym to get moving. Whether walking through campus or doing yoga in your room, just remember to pick an activity that you enjoy.
- Make positive self-talk and gratitude a part of your routine: Making a list of three to five positive statements or affirmations and reading them every day can help boost your mood and confidence. Reflecting every day on a few things you are thankful for can also help change your mindset to a more positive one and focus less on current stressors.
If you think you could benefit from medication for ongoing mental health concerns, contact the University Health Center psychiatry team by calling 402.472.5000 or visit our webpage to learn more: https://health.unl.edu/psychiatric-medication-management.