As the end of the semester approaches, the stress level for college students across America is increasing. A recent Associated Press poll showed that four in ten college students nationwide said they feel stressed often, while one in five said they feel it all or most of the time. Stress can provoke many side effects, including mental trauma, worry and even physical illness. As finals approach at Gustavus, it is fortunate that there are resources on campus that can help “finals week” seems less like “stress week.”
Director of Student Health Services Heather Dale said that stress can provoke not only mental strain, but physical ailments as well. “In the health service office we see students [who] have physical manifestations of stress. Stress itself can lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness,” said Dale.
“As a peer assistant, I feel [that] the stress level of the student body tends to crescendo near the end of the semester,” said Sophomore Political Science Major Jon Kidd.
“[There is] definitely a rise during finals—we see more students with mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety, but we also see students that truly are sick with a viral or illness that at this time of year we wouldn’t expect to see as much. It’s because of the stress factor,” said Dale.
Students on campus have various ways of dealing with stress. “I try to take time out from my busy schedule to spend some time working out in Lund. I find it really releases my stress,” said Sophomore Classics Major Abbey Feenstra.
“We are too stressed about papers to worry about tests. A more constructive way I deal with stress is [to] appreciate and enjoy nature and God,” Sophomore Biology Major Dan Jackson said.
Students can deal with stress productively. “When stress is at a reasonable level, we can excel. Part of it is responding. [Sometimes stress comes from] choices we make. I’ve found we can be serene and calm during stress,” said Chaplain Rachel Larson.
“[Students should] get plenty of sleep. It’s a tough thing to do, but study after study shows that people who sleep more do better on finals than those who stay up and do all-nighters. Eating healthy is important, as well as drinking lots of fluids and getting adequate nutrition and exercise,” said Dale.
Kidd said that spending time outside can be solace enough. “Now is a great time to do those things that really relax you, like reading a book, tossing a Frisbee or taking some time for yourself,” said Kidd.
Gusties can also turn to others for help if they feel overwhelmed. “I encourage people, even if they don’t feel like they have the time, to pause at 10:00 a.m. and come to chapel, or else find another time by themselves to just be quiet, taking a walk in the Arb. [The Chaplain’s Office] is certainly here whenever people need us to visit about what’s going on in [their] lives—pastoral counseling, prayer, trying to figure out what’s next; it’s helpful for people to come in, shut the door, breathe [and] be still. We also work closely with the counseling center; if we feel the person is beyond our capabilities, we will facilitate referrals to them,” said Larson.
Many events are scheduled during finals week to help alleviate stress, as well. Students can look for study breaks in their dorms—with food provided—as well as the “Midnight Express” event on Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 p.m. in the Caf.