Stress Management Techniques for College Midterms 

College midterms are a stressful time; unlike finals, they come in the middle of the semester while so many other things are going on. Students have sports, homework, weekend plans and regular exams to study for. It can be exhausting to try and keep up and also feel prepared for tests. 

Managing stress doesn’t look the same for everyone, and your preferred strategies may change as you grow and mature. Having a basic understanding of stress and common management techniques can help you respond more effectively to the pressure of midterms. Here are a few stress management techniques for students, whether it’s for midterms or another big test. 

1. Understanding Stress Management

Reid Swetland, a counselor at Gordon College’s Counseling and Wellness Center (CSW), reminds students that, though many people use the words anxiety and stress interchangeably, they actually mean different things. “Stress is everything that's external to a person. Anxiety is the internal mechanism that helps us regulate how we're doing. So, exams, papers and deadlines are all external stresses,” he says.  

One way to relieve stress about an upcoming exam might be as simple as making the mental switch to realize that midterms are external stressors that do not need to cause internal anxiety. When you start to feel anxious, remind yourself of the difference between stress and anxiety and practice breathing exercises or prayer to calm down.  

2. Know Yourself 

The best way to study for midterms doesn’t exist––there’s no single way to learn well. As students learn in psychology courses at Gordon, there are scientifically proven methods that help with memorization, such as repetitively writing out the material you’re learning. Another effective way to study is reading over notes or PowerPoints to refresh your memory of what you learned throughout the semester, since finals are usually cumulative. 

Swetland reminds students that stress management for studying and tests will look different for each student. Dealing with stress by attacking the problem head-on might help some. Others will feel stressed by the material they are studying and manage better by taking short breaks. “You really have to know yourself and what works for you,” he says.  

3. Prioritize Health 

During midterms prioritizing your health can feel unmanageable, but it is important to build healthy rhythms that can sustain the added busyness of midterm season. Simple stress relievers for college students can look like eating a good meal, getting enough sleep or taking a run. For example, intramural sports are a great, low-commitment way to exercise in community throughout the semester. At Gordon REC-IM, a student-run intermural league, hosts games of flag football, soccer, beach volleyball and more. Getting involved in intermurals means that when midterms happen, you already have a plan for staying active.  

Students should also try to stay as physically healthy as possible. Midterms usually happen during cold seasons, when it’s easy to get sick. It’s a good idea to get enough rest and stay warm. If you do get sick, seek treatment at a doctor’s office or pharmacy. Gordon has a Health Center located on campus so you can see a doctor without needing to drive. 

4. Manage Time Well 

Prioritizing and scheduling assignments is a practical means of stress management for studying and tests. “Time management isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about knowing how you learn best,” Swetland says. This might look like planning study times for the week before an exam or taking a week off from some club meetings or events in order to prioritize studying.  

Swetland reminds students that “balance” in a schedule, especially mid-semester, is usually unattainable. Instead, he encourages students to focus on managing what they can. If you struggle to manage your time and need encouragement or support, take advantage of Gordon’s academic advisors, like the staff of the Academic Success Center. 

5. Lean on Your Community 

Leaning into community is one of the best ways to handle midterm stress. If you are struggling and want support, reaching out to faculty members, mentors or peers who manage their stress well can be very helpful.  

At Gordon College students can apply to the peer connect program and get paired with a peer mentor, which can help relieve stress related to an upcoming exam. If students need to experience the presence of others or feel encouraged by community, the Gordon College Chapel is a place where students gather and worship together.  

Ace Your Midterms and Tests at Gordon 

Learning stress management goes beyond simply discovering the best ways to study for midterms. Stress management is an important skill for both academic and professional life. Gordon prepares students for life beyond college with strong academic programs and an encouraging community full of resources to support them through exams. Schedule a visit to learn more about the different programs Gordon offers and the supportive resources available to students on campus.  

Emily Jones ‘25, English language and literature