As finals week approaches, there are numerous ways students can avoid succumbing to the pressure and stress of exams.

According to the Counseling Center’s website, the most important thing to do is to get enough sleep each night. When you’re sleep deprived, it is much harder to focus, do quality work and regulate emotions.

Setting up a plan and identifying priorities for the remainder of the semester is also important.

The website says students should prioritize self-care by exercising, taking quick recharge naps and scheduling time to see friends. The website advises students to realize what their distractions are and avoid them. While social media and TV shows can be enjoyable, it is important to limit the time you spend doing this.

The Student Services Building will be hosting a test anxiety management workshop between noon and 12:45 p.m. on May 3.

Also on Reading Day, the Activities and Recreation Center will be hosting several “stress-less” activities from 1-4 p.m. including log rolling, kayak races and a free yoga class. These activities are provided by the McKinley Peer Educators and the Counseling Center.

The ARC will also be offering free Jarling’s ice cream, Insomnia cookies and Jimmy John’s sandwiches.

The Women’s Resources Center will be playing movies and providing snacks in its lounge area on Reading Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its conference room will also be available for students to study in.

From May 6 to May 11, the Rec Room at the Illini Union will be offering affordable deals for bowling as a part of “Bowl Off Steam Finals Week Special.”

Counseling Center professionals will also be available in the upcoming weeks at a number of locations including Allen Hall, Grainger Engineering Library and the Undergraduate Library. Students can visit the Student Affairs website for a full list of dates, times and locations.

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