Ask Becca: Dec. 8, 2016

Rebecca Rue
Opinion Editor

*Sending advice your way to deal with your dates, deadlines and dorm mates every week*

Dear Becca,

It’s almost the end of the semester and I am completely overwhelmed. There is almost no time left, and my to-do-list isn’t vanishing fast enough. Can you give me any advice about how to get myself through the next week?

Sincerely,
Stressed Out

Dear Stressed Out,

I completely understand how you are feeling. Most of us are in the same boat this week.

Billie Streufert’s article, “25 Crucial Study Tips for Finals Week,” on college.usatoday. com has numerous tips on how to make it through this crucial time.

Streufert advises, “Just get started. Don’t wait until you feel like studying.”

I am sure that you currently feel that there is going to be no end to all of your work and this next week seems like it’s going to last forever.

It’s important to remember that isn’t the case. It is crucial that you take any time you can to work towards the finish line at the end.

Streufert continues, “Meet with the professor, a tutor or a learning specialist if needed.”

If you have any questions, or need help with anything, don’t hesitate to use the resources available to you.

“Create a master to-do list and a schedule for the remaining days in the semester,” Streufert states.

I sincerely suggest you utilize this tip, as it has been helpful for me. This way, all of your work is outlined, and you can visually see what’s left.

I find that the visual really helps because it diminishes anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

On a related note, another tip from Streufert discusses anxiety, “Manage your anxiety. By listening to calming music, stretching or breathing, deeply, you can avoid stress and release negative thoughts.”

What works for you? Is it music, Netflix or your friends?

It is crucial that you do whatever you can to diminish your stress and anxiety in this time.

If these things overwhelm you, your grades could suffer significantly.

“Form a study group and develop a practice test together,” Streufert suggests.

I highly recommend that you follow this tip as well. Studying with others can benefit you in ways that you would not have realized was possible.

Being around your classmates can break up the monotony of being alone and how you study when it’s just you.

There might be things that they understand and can help you with and vice versa.

Because of the great pressure that you are under, it might help to socialize with others who understand exactly what you are going through.

Streufert also advises, “Stay healthy. Get some sleep and avoid caffeine.”

I know this advice is probably the hardest to follow, and that is understandable.

Still, do your best to procrastinate less and to not waste any time. Also, try to choose healthy food choices over caffeine and sugar.

Good luck with everything!

Email Becca At:
rrue@live.esu.edu