Oct.2013-Midterm Stress

Tackle Stress During Midterms

True or false: You are completely, unequivocally prepared for all of your upcoming midterms.

student studying anatomy

Whichever your answer, just the thought of a week or two scheduled with heavily weighted exams is enough to trigger some pangs of anxiety in even the most prepared students.

When it comes to exam season, stress simply comes with the territory. So along with group study sessions, flash cards and a stack of clean blue books, being prepared also means effectively managing your stress levels so you can focus on making the grade.

Luckily, you’re in good hands at San Diego State University. Here’s your cheat sheet for on-campus resources to help you combat stress, whether you’re gearing up for midterms or anxiously awaiting your results.

Center for Well-Being

Center for Well-Being egg chair

If you’ve ever found yourself drifting off in a department store massage chair or zoning out to the sound of crashing waves, you’re going to love the Center for Well-Being. The Department of Counseling and Psychological Services has dedicated the entire center to stress management resources, including a massage station, biofeedback center, self-help library and soothing visual/audio aids. Don’t worry about making an appointment either. Just drop in when you have a free moment, Monday through Friday.

C.O.P.E. Workshops

For a more structured approach to stress management, take part in a free C.O.P.E. Workshop, also developed by the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. The 3-part clinic will help participants develop specific skills and techniques for dealing with common stress-inducing situations such as academic performance. It’s just one of the handful of free personal growth clinics led by the department’s therapists and enhanced by group participation and support.

Mind, Body, and Spirit Center

In just a few short months, the Aztec Student Union will open its doors and welcome the student body to enjoy its plethora of resources, including the much-anticipated Mind, Body and Spirit Center. Designed as a quiet, relaxing space away from the hustle and bustle of a lively college campus, you’ll be able to tune out the commotion and tune in to your inner source of peace through meditation or prayer. Find the calm retreat on the second floor of the Aztec Student Union when it opens in December, just in time for finals!

ARC Rec Classes

Two students in yoga pose at Aztec Recreation Center

Your roundhouse may not be as legendary as Chuck Norris’, but it may very well have the same disintegrating effect on stress. Give tension the old one-two punch with an afternoon self-defense workshop hosted by the ARC, or register for ongoing martial arts classes including Capoeira and Jiu Jitsu. If you’re more of a lover than a fighter, dance classes may be a better option for shimmying anxiety away. Belly dancing, Hip Hop and Salsa classes are held at the ARC Group Fitness Studio throughout the semester.