Prevention of Stress

Recommendations for preventing stress during final exams:

1. Time Management: Prioritize and increase studying time. If possible reduce work schedule hours. Minimize
extracurricular activities including social events, online chatting, social networking sites, games, and shopping.
2. Studying: Choose a study environment with adequate lighting. Avoid areas with distractions and noise. Have study
materials organized and easily accessible. Take a ten minute break during each hour of studying. Suggested study
breaks include taking a walk and having a study snack.
3. Sleep: Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep (optimum 8 hours) is necessary for improved performance during exams.
Sleep is essential for consolidating short term memory into long term memory
4. Exercise: Physical activity is a great source of alleviating and reducing stress. Suggested exercise includes walking,
yoga, and cardio equipment.
5. Professor Office Hours: If you need clarification on any material that may be on an exam consult the exam expert-your
Professor.
6. What to eat: Fresh fruit, green leafy vegetables, lean protein.

AVOID
Procrastination
Fatty food
Food products high in tryptophan (poultry, dairy products, eggs, rice, and beans). Caffeine beverages (coffee, tea, soda).
* Caffeine reduces clarity of thinking.