LIFE

Tips to achieve balanced mental health during finals week

Mental health during finals is beneficial for your wellbeing and academic success. Grace Faver | Washtenaw Voice

Yana McGuire
Contributor

WCC’s Winter semester 2024 is coming to a close at the end of National Stress Awareness Month, which is ironic since finals week happens to be one of the most stressful times for students.

However, this would be a perfect time to focus on achieving balanced mental health to ensure those great study skills you have obtained reach its full potential.

Here are some tips to help you be the best during finals:

Get enough sleep

Testing time may cause anxiety by itself, but did you know that the lack of sleep can increase anxiety and depression, which are both known to hinder learning ability?

A study done by researcher William E. Kelly at Neumann University shows that students who get seven or more hours of sleep each night have higher GPA averages than ones who get less sleep. Try studying in the evening, then getting at least seven hours of sleep. This can help you retain the information better. Doing this consistently will improve your memory on the subject over all.

Regular balanced meal routine

According to “This is Your Brain On Food,” a book written by Dr. Uma Naidvoo, an author and psychiatrist, a poor diet can increase anxiety and depression due to a lack of proper nutrients the brain and body need to function properly. Adding foods like whole grains, walnuts, blueberries, chocolate, leafy green vegetables and green tea to your diet regularly can improve concentration and attention spans.

Get up, get out and exercise

Ever noticed being in a better mood after a workout?

That is because exercise can alleviate stress and increase energy. In addition, exercise promotes better sleep, which will help increase your memory and mood.

Create or update a relaxing study environment

The place where you study can have significant effects on your mood and performance. Renmei Xu, Associate Professor of Art at Ball State University, found that adding certain colors to your study area enhances the learning experience and keeps you relaxed while doing it.

Adding something yellow or off-white to your study area will help you maintain attention and induce positive feelings.

Blue items can promote productivity while producing a sense of safety and well-being. Everyone feels better when they are comfortable, so making sure your seating fits your comfort needs is essential. If you already have a study area that works for you, add something new to enhance the mood. If you don’t, use some of these tips to create one.

Take breaks during study time

Do not cram for that exam! Our brains are powerful; however, they need to take breaks in order to reset. By doing this, your ability to focus and productivity increases.

Think of it as resetting your phone so it works faster. For every hour you study, you should take a 10 to 20-minute break. These breaks should be filled with tasks that relax the mind. Try playing soft music, deep breathing exercises, or a ten-minute mindful meditation.

During finals week, take your time and breathe. Add these tips to your routine and you may see positive results. Study mindfully and good luck!

For more advice or tips to get through school, flip to A3 and scan the QR code to fill out a Google Form with your question and receive a response in the next issue.