Student stress levels high as final exam weeks approach

With the semester coming to a close, students can relax knowing that only two more weeks of tests, presentations and finals stand in the way of holiday freedom. Unfortunately high stress levels present obstacles to everyone at the end of each semester.
Students at GCSU may not be aware of the harmful effects associated with high stress and anxiety levels. Fatigue and sickness can negatively affect those who work themselves into a pressure packed lifestyle.
Junior exercise science major Chris Bazemore said it’s tough because the teachers always seem to assign the most work this time of the semester. “It seems like they try to stuff it all in at the end,” Bazemore said.
GCSU does provide help for those in need of guidance. Counseling Services is free to all GCSU students who need advice on dealing with stress and other common problems.
A student can get individual attention in dealing with stress management. All they need to do is call to setup an appointment or walk in to schedule a time with the staff.
Dr. Amy Harrington, a licensed psychologist, said stress management is one of the more common issues with the students.
Harrington said roommate issues and dealing with the structure of college is often a big stressor for students at GCSU. Along with these issues, academic pressure to perform creates anxiety for those wishing to please their parents or to succeed in their own internal goals.
“I find that the pressure from the students themselves is more constant than outside parental pressure,” Harrington said.
The best ways for an individual to deal with stress is maintaining a balanced diet, drinking more water and physical exercise.
“Exercise is a great reliever of pressure, anxiety, and stress,” Harrington said.
Dr. Harrington said students could get a friend to exercise with them or join a yoga class.
In addition, social support is extremely important to overall health. Dr. Harrington said students must make time for friends and family. Bazeman agrees.
“I think you have to spend time hanging out with friends so you won’t stay locked in your room working all the time,” Bazemore said. “I try to keep a good attitude to deal with stress.”
With the work load piling up and what seems like a never ending exam schedule in students’ way, there are habits to avoid. Dr. Harrington said students should look out for extremes when it comes to studying with no breaks and taking in too much caffeine or alcohol.
One of the most common issues facing students is procrastination. Some like to work under the scope of limited time and others like to plan ahead and knock off work piece by piece.
“I can’t work unless I’m under the gun,” said Cooper Van Rossum, a sophomore advertising major. “The stress makes me focused, which forces me to work more.”
Dr. Harrington said the three main focus points heading into finals week are making a priority list, breaking down academic tasks, and exercising. “We need to always remind ourselves that we’ll do the best we can,” Harrington said.
For more information on stress management, students can visit Counseling Services in Lanier Hall.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Dec 1 2006. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry