As the last semester before you graduate gets underway, it’s normal to feel short on patience and energy. Under the weight of papers, presentations, projects, and finals, you may start to feel like you’ve been pushed too far, especially with the stress and excitement of graduation just around the corner. While imagining yourself decked out in academic regalia at convocation may help ease your stress, there are also a few tips and tricks that you can use to help keep you calm as you navigate the last few months of school.
Ways To Avoid Stress Before Graduation
As mentioned, it’s normal to feel stressed in the final throws of school, but if you aren’t careful, it can lead to burnout. Graduating is a milestone you should be proud of, and you’ll want to look and feel your best when you wear your convocation regalia accept your degree or diploma. As such, give these few basic things a try in an effort to minimize the stress leading up to your graduation.
Schedule time to recharge.
You may have all your assignments, classes and commitments scheduled into your calendar, but what about time to relax and recharge? Blocking out time away from studying is just as important, as it allows you time to reset. Spending time with friends and family can improve your mental health, and getting in regular exercise can improve your mental health as well as your physical health. Allowing yourself time to reflect and relax has actually been shown to improve study habits and retention.
Make sure to get enough sleep.
Students aren’t known for the best sleeping habits, however, getting regular sleep is key for supporting mental health and avoiding burning out. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and if it would be helpful, it’s okay to take naps too. In addition to getting to bed at a reasonable hour, you can also create a better sleep environment by using a white noise machine to drown out roommates or blackout blinds to keep your room dark in the early mornings.
Seek out support if you need it.
It’s normal to get a bit panicky around final exams and multiple deadlines. But if you find yourself angry, worried, irritable or sad, more often than not, you may be experiencing symptoms of burnout and it could be time to get help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek out the support options your student services may offer.
Learn to say no.
Writing a 5,000-word paper, applying for 20 jobs, getting fitted for your academic regalia, and helping a friend study for their exam can’t all be done in a day. It just isn’t realistic. Make your to-do lists manageable and it will go a long way towards positively managing your stress. During busy times, prioritize things like eating well, meditation, sleep, and your academic deadlines. Other things just may have to take a back seat until your schedule isn’t so packed.
Let Harcourts Handle Your Academic Regalia
With so many tasks vying for your attention as you approach graduation, let Harcourts handle your convocation regalia. With extensive experience in all things related to graduation robes and accessories, we can help you get what you need whether that’s renting your convocation attire or purchasing custom academic regalia. To find out more about how we can help you be ready for your convocation ceremony, visit our downtown Toronto showroom or contact us to get started.
