College life is stressful, and midterms can send stress levels even higher. By taking a few minutes to create your stress management plan, you can set yourself up to perform at your academic best. Consider these helpful strategies:
- Identify your key stressors.
- Prioritize sleep by keeping a consistent sleep schedule and getting about eight hours.
- Practice calming mindfulness activities that promote focus, like deep breathing.
- Eat healthy meals and snacks.
- Stay organized with a to-do list or daily planner.
- Carve out distraction-free time for coursework by setting aside your phone and turning off notifications.
- Communicate with your instructors, especially if you are struggling with the material.
- Avoid using alcohol or other drugs to cope with stress.
- Move your body — go for a walk, take the stairs, dance in your room … whatever works for you, do it daily.
To help support your self-care plan, check out the YOU@UWM well-being portal for additional tips and resources. For more on mindfulness, including a workbook and a map of spaces on campus that provide a mindful environment, visit the Norris Health Center’s mindfulness webpage.
