Finals are a time when students stay awake all night studying, loading up on sweets and energy drinks, and stressing about approaching deadlines. As Anuar Tassymov, a DePaul finance student puts it: “I suffer during finals and damn the entire world for creating such a system where students are simply put in their most miserable state ever possible.”

Different approaches

Many students have different approaches to preparing for finals. Ani Kasparian, a DePaul student majoring in Spanish and Arabic, tries to study and work as much as she can. I love to make lists and prioritize so I know what I should be doing at all times of the week,” Kasparian said.

Jairus Williams, 25, a DePaul student majoring in 3D animation, swears by the effects of caffeinated drinks; but he also makes sure to take breaks, eat three meals a day, exercise and take vitamins.

During finals, students need a lot of energy to feed their brains.

There are certain things students can take to calm the nerves. “There are things that help you to deal with stress, different types of ginseng, for example,” Blake Adams, 27, an assistant manager at Kramer’s Health Foods and Juice Bar said.

Telesia Jones, a DePaul student majoring in education, prefers to take a walk to reduce finals stress as well as eat plenty of fruits.

“Taking some time to relax is better for me,” Jones said.

Sleep or exercise?

Experts suggest everyone should be getting 30 minutes of physical activity per day. This can be from training in the gym, dancing to music, walking the dog, or even cleaning the house.

Some students say the best way to reduce stress is by sleeping and taking more time to rest.

“I learned after a couple semesters that in order to reduce stress and keep myself energetic, sleeping is probably most effective for me,” Jasmine Wheeler, a Roosevelt University alumna said.

Kristen Neisler, a physical education professional at the Ray Meyer Fitness Center, recommends exercising, but she finds it difficult to determine whether students should sleep more or exercise more.

“I would say getting eight hours sleep is most important at this time,” she reasons. “If you feel exhausted after 10 minutes of exercising it’s better to go home and get some sleep.”

Eat healthy, stay hydrated

A big cause of low stamina, stress, and lack of energy is unhealthy food. No energy and stress is a reflection of what students are eating and not eating. Eighty percent of our brain is gray matter, and in order for that to survive it needs fat, like nuts, greens and beans.

“Nuts, greens and beans are the things are full of vitamins that keep you full longer,” Adams said.

Kasparian is absolutely positive about the benefits of lowering sugar consumption during finals.

“It may seem like a good idea for a snack break, but what you’re really doing is taking your blood sugar and energy level on a roller coaster ride,” she said.

Wheeler prefers to drink hot tea in order to release stress, and it is a good way of staying hydrated. Jennifer Vimbor, a dietitian-nutritionist at Nutrition Counseling Services, suggests students stay hydrated, especially if they get sick from the late nights. Her best remedy is drinking some chicken broth, which provides necessary fluids to keep you hydrated. “The notion may be a little psychosomatic but, hey, if it helps you feel better go for it!” she said.

Make healthy choices

Some students, however, are overwhelmed with stress and pressure and they forget to eat during finals.

“Water and Red Bull, no food, no sleep,” Tassymov said. “Couple of push ups during studying sometimes help to prevent my eyes from shutting down.”

Adams also advises kava-kava as a great supplement for stress reduction. However, it does not always work for students. “For students who tend to drink a lot it can be tough on the liver,” Adams added. 

Students experience a combination of stress, anxiety, and pressure during finals. There are many ways to reduce stress and stay productive and full of energy. Anna Frank, an associate professor of physical education at DePaul University, recommends making healthy choices.

“Exercise to reduce stress. No excuses,” Frank said. “Follow the food guide pyramid and eat balanced and healthy.”