Final exams are right around the corner, how to handle the extra stress

STORRS, Conn. (WFSB) - Students at UConn are wrapping up classes and preparing for final exams.

Final exams start on Monday, which can cause added stress.

“A lot of stress built up around it. You see a lot of people working in the Union. It’s kind of stressful with all the work,” said Kyle Annecchino, UConn Freshman.

An extra coffee in hand is a common sight around the UConn campus, with the start of final exams just days away.

“I talk to my guidance counselor a lot. We talk about finals and what I can do to prepare. It helps me just having those resources around,” Annecchino said.

Doctor Laura Saunders is an expert in mental health.

She says while being stress-free is the goal, being less stressed is more likely.

“Focus on one thing at a time,” said Dr. Saunders, Hartford Healthcare Institute of Living.

To get there, she says students should work together.

“The worst thing is to feel isolated, like you’re the only one who has this pile of work or the only one behind on work. Check-in with your friends and peers,” said Dr. Saunders.

“I hang out with my friends. I’ve been to a few yoga classes at the rec., which is really good for mental health,” said Alena Kay, UConn Freshman.

UConn is upping its game when it comes to mental health for the next few weeks.

There are new mindfulness classes, yoga sessions, and therapy dogs.

“I just talk with my friends, and that makes me release my stress,” said Li Mevis, UConn Freshman.

How can parents help?

“Parents probably need to take a step back. Because the more they tell a young person what to do, the less that young person wants to listen to them,” Dr. Saunders advised.

UConn has 24/7 mental health help available to all students.

It has also increased resources year-round, but particularly during exams.

Exams end on Sunday, December 17.

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