Video by Jason Prescott
Dealing With Mid-Terms from CSU-Pueblo TODAY on Vimeo.
As the fall semester reaches its halfway point, students across the campus of Colorado State University-Pueblo are busying themselves with studying for midterm exams. An important component of students’ final grades, midterms can cause stress. Today reporter Jason Prescott caught up with a few CSU-Pueblo students about midterms and found that some were under more stress than others.
Stress occurs when one perceives that demands placed on him or her exceed the ability to cope, according to an American Psychological Association article. “Some stress can be beneficial at times, producing a boost that provides the drive and energy to help people get through situations like exams or work deadlines,” it said.
However, if students pay too much attention to that, it can have health consequences that affect the immune, cardiovascular and even central nervous systems.
These negative consequences can be avoided by relaxing the mind and body, according to the APA. Here are some tips to help students relax their bodies and minds.
Relaxing the Body:
Exercise: Just 30 to 45 minutes of exercise three times a week can make students feel much healthier and in control of their lives. In Harvard Health Publications, studies have shown that exercise can relieve stress, reduce depression and improve cognitive function. Exercise also releases endorphins, chemicals that trigger positive feelings. Brian Wen, a master’s of business administration student at CSU-Pueblo said when he feels stress, he likes run or swim.
Get a massage: According to the Stress Management Health Center, massages can help reduce stress. A massage is a great way to relax and to minimize the physical and emotional tension students are experiencing. Students can massage themselves or go to a professional masseuse.
Improve your sleep schedule: American Psychological Association research said that sleeping an extra 60-90 minutes each night can help to improve one’s mood.
Relaxing the mind:
Read: Reading is a great way to calm your mind and to gain knowledge. It’s also a wonderful way to wake up people mind in the morning and to help them fall asleep at night.
Think positively: Psychologist Ben Martin said that becoming a positive thinker and taking more pleasure in everyday interactions helps reduce stress.
Laugh more: Laughing has been proven to reduce stress. Scientists at the Technical University of Munich in Germany have shown that the very act of smiling can improve one’s mood.
