WellNotes: December SH101

Season’s greetings students!         

Welcome to the December issue of WellNotes, we hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving Break.  

Per usual, we have some great ways for you to stay happy and healthy this month, and please check out thestudenthealth101 magazine for information about managing stress, public speaking, making the most out of your major, and much more.

With only a week of classes left many students are feeling the pressure.  Here are some tips to help you manage stress and ace your tests:  

• Get at least eight hours of sleep.  This is difficult for a lot of college students, but it really is extremely important.  Getting more sleep will help improve memory and concentration, two skills vital to scoring well on tests. 
• Start studying far enough in advance that you have sufficient time to review the material, take breaks, test yourself, and make sure you understand all the concepts. 
• Remember to get regular exercise.  Exercise releases “happy” chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, in your brain that help you kick stress to the curb. 
• All in all, manage your time and do not worry too much, even though finals are important, it is unlikely that any one test will have a hugely adverse effect on your life.

On a happier note, with finals comes Winter Break! Whether you are going home or on an adventure, remember to stay safe.  Here are some tips to get you where you are going quickly, efficiently, and in one piece:  

• Double, triple check flight/ bus numbers and departure times. 
• Keep your wallet/ purse deep in your backpack/ luggage and out of easy reach of pickpockets. 
• Scan all your important travel documents and email them to yourself. 
• Never leave your baggage unattended or out of sight (like hanging on the back of your chair). 
• Wash your hands regularly or carry hand sanitizer. 
• Use common sense, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Have a productive December and a wonderful Winter Break. 

Be Well!

Ruby Roll & Melissa Osmond