The hectic pace of cramming for final exams exacts a toll on NIU students, but a variety of coping techniques can help reduce the anxiety.

Students who suffer from test anxiety or those who wait until the last minute to study for exams face high levels of stress, said Michael Haines, Health Enhancement Services coordinator.

“Some anxiety is not all bad,” Haines said. “Stress is healthy if it motivates us to study, do our best and go beyond our limits.

“Stress is harmful if it is chronic or so acute it impairs our ability to perform,” Haines said.

Methods of combating stress include getting enough sleep, even if its only one and one-half hours; eating nutritious foods, especially tose high in carbohydrates and feeling mentally prepared by focusing on one’s strengths, Haines said.

The NIU Counseling and Student Development Center offers help for students who suffer from test anxiety.

Also, the Crisis Line (758-6655) at the Ben Gordon Community Health Center in DeKalb and a 24-hour service at the University Health Services are available for students having difficulty coping with stress. Techniques NIU students use to cope with stress resulting from final exams range from playing psychological tricks on themselves during study periods to anticipating rewards after completeing exams.