With the last week of class and finals quickly approaching, life can be stressful, especially when the most important assignments are due. The last week of the semester can be just as crucial as the last few minutes of a football game and for most students it is filled with late nights, caffeine runs and nonstop studying.

So how can students make those last moments count? Marty Liccardo, health educator for the Student Wellness center, offered a few tips to help students survive the road to finals.

He advised students to take care of themselves. To keep their engines going, they need to stay hydrated and exercise. Even though they are basics, steps like these are important to maintaining overall health.

Kassy Keen, prevention specialist for the counseling center, said one of the most important ways to de-stress during finals week is self-care. Getting sleep, eating well and drinking water are key. Quick relaxation techniques also help in reducing stress levels.

Students who cannot get enough sleep at night should plan on taking naps that are about 20 minutes long. Naps longer than 30 minutes are more likely to leave nappers drowsy.

Though many students think that they will never have enough time to complete everything and get enough sleep, Keen said that research shows that more information can be retained through a regular sleep schedule.

Tempting as they may be, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and coffee to stay awake is also a smart move. They provide a quick burst of energy, but can have harmful effects on your health.

As the semester winds down, students will spend more and more time with their noses in books and staring at computer screens. Taking short breaks can go a long way — health educators even insist that it is important to socialize and take time to enjoy yourself during finals.

Whether it be skiing, watching a TV show or hanging out with friends, students do better and feel better when they take time for themselves because their brains have a chance to relax.

Nathan Pope, a freshman in chemical engineering, confirmed that the study schedule is ramping up.

“I study a lot,” he said.

Focus on time management in order to complete the things you need to do and the things you would like to do. Both will help lower the stress.

And of course, don’t leave things until the last minute.

“I usually start studying way before, so it’s not so loaded,” said Axel Donis, a junior in architecture.

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