Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

Dealing with exam stress

First Published:

[projekktor id=’16691′]

 

College and university students are in the midst of exams right now, and the stress of studying can be overwhelming.

So we’re talking about the best way to cope with that particular kind of stress.

It’s tough. especially when you feel pressure to excel in your classes. but if you’re all about the books, it could backfire. The key to surviving the stress of exams is balance.

In the month of December, it’s a common concern among students.

David Rios, 4th year student: “I think that’s my biggest stress. Not being able to get the GPA I want or make the grade I want.”

So understandably, this is a view they get used to.

But on this day, a group at McMaster set their sights on this instead.

They took an hour out of their study schedule to get some exercise and fresh air.

Rafe Maqsood, first year student: “I feel I can concentrate better. Instead of just eating junk food and studying at the same time.”

The hike is one of a number of stress busters hosted by the McMaster Students Union to help students cope during exam period.

They’re also handing out snacks and extending gym hours to ensure everyone maintains balance.

Laura Jamieson, Coordinator, Student Health Education Centre: “Going to spend some time outside, really just taking a break from the books. Eating well. Taking time to do that and make that a priority.”

Counsellor Peter Young with Mohawk College is preaching balance to his students as well: “Plan out and build kind of positive experiences in there, even if they’re brief to balance out the studying itself. So it’s okay to do a bit of socializing. It’s okay to get a good night’s sleep.”

Young cautions that cramming without relief can spike your stress levels, and make it harder to retain what you’re reading.

Once you get into the exam room, stress levels can spike again. Young says, if you’re getting anxious, look away from your test, focus on a spot on the wall, count backwards from ten and breathe deeply. Then try to go back and answer an easy question.

More Top News

Ontario minimum wage to increase Oct. 1 to $17.20 an hour

Ontario's minimum wage will rise later this year to $17.20 an hour. The annual Oct. 1 increase is tied to inflation and is a boost...

Over 300K public sector workers earn more than $100K; OPG CEO tops the list

The five top paid public employees in the province are all at Ontario Power Generation, with the CEO earning $1.9 million last year. The so-called...

Halton police arrest man in connection to break-ins in Georgetown

Halton police say they've arrested a man in connection to two separate break-ins that occurred in Georgetown. On March 25, officers were called out to...

31-year-old Niagara man facing weapon charges following arrest with BB gun

A Niagara man is facing several charges after he was found to be conceal-carrying a loaded pellet gun during his arrest. Authorities say they were...

Parents outraged by changes to Niagara’s school bus transportation policy

Changes to the Niagara Region's school bus transportation policy has left many parents outraged. Starting Sept. 3, the walk distance for secondary students will be...

1 person in critical condition after house fire in Hamilton’s east end

One person has been hospitalized in critical condition after they were found without vital signs in a burning home in Hamilton’s east end Thursday...

Help save a child’s life by becoming a registered organ donor

Next month is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness month and the work continues to raise awareness. That's why the David Foster Foundation is...