Get Ready for Finals: Stress Relief

Remember to Take Care of Yourself.

In addition to the Five Tips to Help You Get Through the End of the Semester post a few weeks ago, one of the most important ways to reduce stress during this very busy time is to take care of yourself. Many students end up getting sick this time of year because they have neglected their own wellness.

Try to get enough sleep. 

Some people can function well on three hours of sleep a night. Most cannot. You’ll do much better during exams if your mental state is good, and sleep is essential for this. Don’t overdo it on the caffeine, either! If you feel like you can’t manage your time well enough to be able to get the amount of sleep you’d like, check out the post on time management.

Try your best to eat well. 

Your body needs to be nourished by real food—fruits, vegetables, protein, good carbs, and just plain water. Energy bars and caffeinated drinks are not enough. Try to sit down with friends for at least one real meal a day. Want dinner served to you but don't want to leave campus? Don’t forget about using your 3 punches at Madison Grill. Good conversation and a change of scenery go a long way toward relieving the stress of sitting at a computer, the library, or working in a lab. And with all the awesome dining options on campus, take advantage of a delicious study break!

Get some exercise. 

Vigorous physical activity can help you burn off your stress by giving you something else to focus on and relieving tension in your muscles. Endorphins are real: they make you feel better! Now is not the time to let up on your regular UREC workout. Or, if you’re not a UREC regular, consider heading there for a little stress relief and study break. There are also plenty of fun group fitness classes, opportunities for pick-up basketball games and so much more if the typical treadmill workout isn’t for you.

Build in healthy study breaks. 

De-stress and take a study break at Late Night Breakfast (it's Disney's "Frozen" themed) on Thursday, December 4 from 10p to midnight is another great option for a study break - who doesn't love free food!? Or, if laughter is the best medicine for your stress relief, check out the last Funny Freakin’ Friday on Friday, December 5 at 8p in TDU. Last but not least, Grafton movie this week is "Frozen" if that's more your style.

Making It After Midterms

So midterms have come and gone. (If you haven't checked your midterm grades yet, check out the post from October 10). Whether you're calling home boasting about how well you’re doing or crying your eyes out at the thought of failing out of a course, congratulations on making it through a very busy and stressful time in the semester!

There are many ways to overcome a midterm crisis. Some of the most important tips include talking to your professor (and your advisor!) visiting the Learning Centers, and re-evaluating your study habits. But what if that’s not enough? Here are a few other tips to help you make it after midterms.

Make Healthy Choices and Add in Study Spurts

Balancing your social life and academic life is one of the hardest parts of the transition to college. As hard as it may be, you may have to decline offers to hang out with friends in order to focus a bit more on studying if you want to pull yourself out of the hole. And, just cutting out the social time does not always mean you are going to have any more time to study on your hands. We know your schedule is packed full and that it can be difficult to find more opportunities to study. That’s why you’re going to have to get creative. Review notes on the elliptical at UREC. Make flashcards that you can read through on your walk between classes or while you're riding the bus. You’ll retain more information from these study spurts than you think, which will make the process much easier when you sit down for a longer study session.

Make Friends and Use a Study Group

You know that student in your class that never puts his pencil down? Or that student who is always speaking up or asking questions? These are the type of students you want to consider getting to know. Perhaps you are struggling because your notes are sub par or maybe you could benefit from a study group. Note: no one will want to work with you if you don’t show up to class. The key is to show others how hard you work so you can work together to stay motivated. (Take a look at the post from September 12 for other study tips and great resources to get you back on your feet).

Show A Little Love

Yes, the majority of students tend to go under the radar (and may like living there). Maybe you don't want to be singled out in class, or are intimidated by your professor. But, now is the time to establish new habits and get a little more involved in your learning. If you have been more passive and not as engaged in your class, now is a great time to turn it around and have your professor know you for being the student who cares about her grade and is trying to make an effort. Show up early to class to clarify any questions you had from the last lecture. And participate! Professors will assume you are happy with the grade you've earned unless you give them a reason to know otherwise. Take the time now to get to know your professors so you can work together to help you make it after midterms. (Not sure how to get the conversation started? Check out the post from October 14).

Homecoming | Healthy Choices

Homecoming 

Monday, October 27 marks the beginning of JMU Homecoming 2014! From October 27 – November 2, the JMU community is celebrating over 100 years of alumni with a ton of spirited events, program, and activities for students and alums. Show your purple pride and JMU spirit by attending events like Purple Out, Pep Rally, Homecoming sporting events, and so much more!

Purple Out – For the past 10 years, the Student Government Association has sponsored an event during Homecoming to provide FREE Purple Out tshirts (I Bleed Purple) to JMU students to wear at the Homecoming football game. Purple Out will take place on Monday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m. on the Festival Lawn. Students must register for a shirt.

UREC 5k – Kick off gameday with a healthy 5k run/walk through campus, with proceeds benefitting the UREC student employee professional development fund. The race takes place on Saturday, November 1 at 8 a.m., leaving from UREC. Visit the UREC website for race details and registration information.

Football Game – Get your ticket for the game against the William and Mary on Saturday, November 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Bridgeforth Stadium. Wear your Purple Out shirt and get ready to throw some streamers!

Annual Homecoming Step Show – Following the football game, head over to Wilson Hall Auditorium for the annual Homecoming Step Show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) and the Inter-Cultural Greek Council. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10. Tickets are $15 at the door, but availability is not guaranteed.

Making Healthy Choices 

With Homecoming and Halloween celebrations and festivities right around corner, it’s important to remember to make healthy choices regarding alcohol and drugs. Wellness is about increasing healthy habits and reducing negative ones. Many people say they use alcohol and other drugs to “feel good.” Making healthy choices means learning to understand what feels good for us, and avoiding the unhealthy things we don’t want. If your choices include drinking alcohol, think about drinking safely and plan ahead to avoid any negative consequences. The University Health Center’s Office on Substance Abuse Prevention is a great resource to help you learn how to make healthy choices and find resources that may be beneficial in your overall wellness.