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Finals
week stressful for college students
By
David Whisler
Daily Forty-Niner
Staff Writer
It
goes without saying that the most stressful
time at any college or university is the
week of finals, and Cal State Long Beach
is no exception.
The
culmination of 16 weeks of hard work into
a frenzied two-hour test of knowledge is
enough to make even the sanest student frantic.
Journalism
broadcasting major Georgina Delossantos
finds that her stress is typically derived
from a lack of time to study as her final
exams approach.
"I'm
not that stressed yet," she said, "but
I will be in a few days."
Luckily,
there is help. CSULB's Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS) can't give you more time,
but they can help you de-stress.
According
to its Web site, CAPS helps students meet
the personal challenges associated with
identifying and accomplishing academic,
career and life goals.
"I'm
stressed because I'm graduating [this semester],"
said communications major Raven Thompson.
"At this point I'm just used to being
stressed out."
Services
include: short-term counseling for individuals
and couples, group counseling, career development
counseling, referral services, psychoeducational
workshops and crisis intervention.
CAPS
is available to any registered CSULB student
year round, but it tends to see a spike
in usage toward the end of the semester,
program organizers said.
All
information disclosed within sessions is
confidential and may not be revealed to
anyone outside of its office without written
permission of the patient.
Not
every student needs one-on-one counseling
as it is perfectly natural to be stressed
from time-to-time, so CAPS has put together
some relaxation and stress-busting strategies.
Relaxation:
• Breathe Deep: Close your eyes and
breathe in slowly. Let the breath out for
a count of 5 to
10 seconds. Do 10 of these.
• Take relaxation breaks.
• Listen to soft music.
• Take a walk.
• Meditate/pray.
• Take a soothing bath.
• Take a moment to stretch.
• Laugh and cry.
Stress-Busters:
• Eat healthy and reduce caffeine
and alcohol.
• Talk with a friend.
• Do something you love.
• Break your problems into small pieces.
• Be realistic in your expectations.
• Try changing yourself and not others.
• Stop rushing, start planning.
• Don't waste $10 worth of energy
on a $2 problem.
• Set limits on your time and commitments.
CAPS
is located in Brotman Hall, Room 226, and
open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to
5 p.m.
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