With finals season officially starting, SMU students have entered one of the most stressful periods of the semester.
The pressure of exams, endless essays, deadlines and long study hours can leave many Mustangs feeling overwhelmed, anxious or even burned out.
To help students alleviate some of these pressures, here are six tips to de-stress and support mental health during this challenging time:
Break study sessions into manageable chunks – Use methods like the 25-5 rule (25 minutes of focused work, 5 minutes of rest) to stay productive without burning out.
Prioritize your sleep – Consistent and adequate rest improves focus and memory retention. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep.
Study with friends – Forming study groups, check-ins or even sharing resources can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Reserve a study room – SMU libraries offer campus study spaces that students can reserve. Click here to reserve a room.
Eat regularly and stay hydrated – Fueling your body consistently helps maintain energy and prevents anxiety from worsening.
Reach out for professional help if needed – SMU Counseling Services is available to support students during finals week. For medical emergencies, students should call 911. For a 24-hour nurse, call 214-768-2141 and press “2.” For a 24-hour counselor, call 214-768-2277 and press “2.”
Additionally, SMU Counseling Services at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center has created a Holiday Health Resource Guide on their Instagram (@smuhealth) to help SMU students maintain balance and care for their mental health during finals.
Here are the resources highlighted in the guide:
BetterMynd: The app provides free online counseling and a variety of wellbeing workshops.
TalkCampus: A secure, anonymous mental health platform community that connects students facing similar situations.
Academic Live Care (ALC): Students have access to nurses, dietitians, psychiatrists and counselors for virtual medical and mental health care.
Welltrack Boost by Protocol: Offers self-guided courses, interactive tools, “Zen Rooms” and personalized resources to help students manage stress.