The Concordian

It’s that wonderful time of year again. Thanksgiving break has come to an end, and it’s time to put the nose to the grindstone.

This is usually the point in each semester when people start getting a little panicky about what they have or in some cases, have not, done in their classes.

Everyone starts trying to figure out exactly what they need to do to finish the fall semester with a bang.

I know exactly how stressful that this can be, and I usually turn into a gripe.

There are always certain classes that I stress over to no end, and then there are others that I don’t worry about at all.

I think that it is a rite of passage that everyone goes through, but it takes place each semester instead of once in a lifetime.

I have found, from personal experience, that there are things that everyone can do in order to minimize the amount of stress.

They are simple, quick, and can come in really handy. If you want to actually enjoy the last few weeks of the semester, read on.

1. With exam time being just around the corner, it is important to get plenty of rest. Pulling all nighters to study may work for awhile, but eventually, you’re body will crash.

Try to make plenty of time to study, even if it means skipping the weekly trip to Kimono’s with your friends.

2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! This is a great way to relieve stress. It will help clear your mind so that when you hit the books again, you can actually concentrate.

And here’s a little fact. Exercise releases a chemical known as endorphins, which make you feel great. They can help one feel euphoric, instead of stressed. Walking 30 minutes to one hour per day will get you in the mood to study.

3. Take frequent study breaks. Trying to cram 4 chapters of information into your brain without a break is one sure way to get a headache, but not so much knowledge.

Studies show that for every 45 minutes of studying, one should take a 15 minute break. It helps you retain what you are studying better.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast! Breakfast is a great way to jumpstart your day, and will help your concentration.

Students who attend class or try to study usually pay more attention to the rumbling belly than to the matters at hand. Furthermore, following a regular eating and snacking schedule will also perk up your concentration.

5. Quit procrastinating! So, this is something that I have a very hard time with. There is even a Facebook group for it: CU Procrastinators Unite!

Seriously, procrastination can get you in big trouble, and at this point in the semester, it is probably something that you want to avoid at all cost. If you know that you have something to finish or to study for, just do it. After 4.5 years at Concord, I can tell you, it is worth the time to just get it done!

There are people who will read this and completely ignore it, but I understand. There are those, however, who will take what I have said to heart.

My mom always used to tell me, “There are some lessons that you don’t always have to learn on your own.” In what I thought was my infinite wisdom, I disregarded her on several occasions only to find out that she was right all along.

I feel that this is definitely one of those cases. If you are an underclassman who is still acclimating to college life, take these offerings of advice to heart.

They can’t hurt, and will probably help you in the long run. This time of year is probably one of the most stressful that college students must endure, but you will make it, I promise!

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