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.

Talking with Professors | Roommate Conflict

Tips for Talking to Professors

Talking to a professor–out of genuine curiosity, a genuine interest in learning, a genuine desire to improve–is one of the smartest things a college student can do. Few students make it through college without seeking assistance from a professor for help at one time or another. In fact, it’s important to seek help rather than let questions or problems fester and intensify.

Professors want you to see them as a resource. They hold office hours for a reason, yet many students avoid these unless required to attend. Remember, unless you let your professors know otherwise, they assume you’re doing fine in the class (or you’re at least ok with how you’re doing). They can’t help if you don’t ask or seek them out!

So, how do you approach professors for one-on-one time?

1. Be respectful and mannerly. Call them by right title.
Before asking “What are your office hours?”, check your syllabus. If hours aren’t listed or won’t work, ask your professor when he or she can meet with you. A reasonable professor will understand that office hours cannot accommodate every student’s schedule. When you arrive, knock on the door, even if it’s open, and greet your professor by name. Most professors let you know what they want to be called.  When in doubt, go with “Dr. [last name].”

2. Be prepared – professors are not mind readers.
Unless you’re just stopping by to chat (which is fine, by the way), have your questions prepared in advance.  You need to be able to clearly articulate what it is you need help with.  Besides, planning your agenda in advance helps ensure you don’t forget what you came there to do.  Also, be sure to bring any necessary materials with you.

If you are having difficulty in a course, let your professor know that you realize it, and ask what you can do to improve. If you want to talk to a professor about something during office hours or via email–about a question that you didn’t get to ask in class or an idea that you want to discuss–just do the best you can. Your professor will very likely meet your genuine interest with kindness and encouragement.

3. Your professor is not Harry Potter.
Don’t ask the impossible of your professors. They are here to help you, but they are also restricted by course and departmental policies. Whatever your circumstances, professors have to hold you to the same standards and workload as the rest of the class. So go ahead and inquire about make-up work, extra credit, and other opportunities, but be prepared to do the work, and don’t expect easy outs. Brace yourself for disappointment, and if your professor says “no,” be prepared with a Plan B option and perspective. Also, if the conversation doesn’t go as planned, remember that I’m available to meet with you to discuss alternative resources and options.

4. Don’t wait. At the end, it’s too late.
You will not get far by approaching your professor at the end of the semester and declaring that you will lose your scholarship, get dismissed from school, etc., if you don’t receive a certain grade in the class. As you see signs of falling short of certain requirements as a JMU student, member of an organization, or scholarship recipient, meet with your professors. They most certainly agree that your grade is important, but in the end they cannot be held responsible for your earned grade or personal circumstances.

With midterms grades being posted soon, it’s a great time to assess your performance and see if a chat with your professor is something to consider.

Final thoughts – If you know you’re going to miss class, try to let your professors know ahead of time. If you’re sick, contact them. If you need an extension, ask before the due date, not after.

Tips for a Good Roommate Relationship

Is your roommate driving you crazy? Has the honeymoon worn off? Don’t sweep the problems under the rug and think they will get better. Take a look at a blog post from the summer  for some tips on how to get your relationship on the right track. If you need more information or help, your Resident Advisor is a great place to start. He/she can help draft a roommate agreement, mediate a dispute or conflict, find alternative solutions, and so on.

University Recreation

Motivating Madison into Motion

University Recreation (UREC) promotes and advances healthy lifestyles through participation opportunities, educational experiences and supportive services. Your valid JACard is required to enter UREC and University Park.

Now is a great time to start (or continue) some good habits related to your health and wellness! And, with midterms right around the corner, don’t neglect your fitness as an awesome stress reliever. 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!

In addition to the great fitness center and facilities, UREC offers many programs, services, and events for all students at all ability and interest levels. Take advantage of these amazing opportunities and services, including Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, Group Fitness, Adventure Trips, Equipment Rental, Nutrition, Massage, and more!

And, this year JMU is one of a handful of schools nationwide participating in the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge, sponsored by North Face. Check out this Breeze article to learn more about how you can help JMU win and you can win great prizes!

Find Your Place at UREC

Learn more about all the educational programs and events on the UREC homepage. Registration dates and costs vary by program, but most are FREE!  (UREC offers online registration for Intramural  Sports, Group Fitness and all non-fee based programs. In-person registration for fee-based programs is available at UREC using FLEX).