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Resources For Finishing the Semester Strong
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Hello,
The November holiday break often is a time to refresh, renew and prepare for the part of the semester that can present difficulties--"The Final Stretch". The demands of finishing the semester come with the expected stress. If you know of someone for whom this is a challenging time academically or emotionally, please connect with them. A Kenyan proverb says, "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." Reach out and be a source of support if you can. As many of you may already know, Chanel DeGuzman and I are also available to support students throughout the year and work hard to be available to you during these busy weeks. Please schedule an appointment online to speak with one of us. We are located in the Office of Academic Affairs, 1700 SPH 1.
I am sharing the information below to help you down "The Final Stretch." The list is not exhaustive but includes University of Michigan resources and other helpful tips. I wish you well.
--Debby Mitchell, Director of Academic Affairs
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Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 
Staff members from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to meet with students for walk-in, scheduled appointments, phone calls, or group meetings. CAPS also includes the Wellness Zone and Campus Mind
Works programs.
Emergency Psychiatric Support: In the case of an emergency, remember the important After Hours mental health coverage for UM, which is Psychiatric Emergency Services (734) 996-4747 (U of M Hospital
Drop-in Support Groups: CAPS added a new service for the next 3 weeks. With only a few days left in the semester, scheduling an individual appointment may not be needed, but good mental health information is still needed. Students can come and share concerns and receive direction and support from a senior staff counselor and other students experiencing similar concerns. Days/times are:
Monday, 12/3: 3-4:15pm
Thursday, 12/6: 12-1:15pm
Monday, 12/10: 3-4:15pm
Thursday, 12/13: 12-1:15pm
Please visit the CAPS website here!
Wellness Zone 
The Wellness Zone is a self-service resource to maximize emotional wellness and well-being. They offer yoga and meditation tools, massage chairs, Xbox Kinect system, biofeedback software, seasonal affective disorder light therapy and other wellness resources.
Campus Mind Works
The Campus Mind Works website was created to support University of Michigan students who have been diagnosed with an ongoing mental health disorder, to help manage their illness and get the most out of their college experience.
Hours for CAPS, Wellness Zone and Campus Mind Works for the Fall/Winter: Mon - Thurs 8 am - 7 pm; Fri 8am - 5pm
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MITALK 
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Ways to Remain Stress Free
(Note: the information below is compiled from several websites.)
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PREPARATION 
What is that, you ask? Simple. Start sooner rather than later. The art of procrastination can come back to hurt you. When it comes to exams, you can never be too careful.
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FIND A FEW STUDY BUDDIES 
This is always helpful especially when the material is hard to comprehend or difficult to understand. People like helping other people. You would be amazed what can be accomplished when a group of friends study together.
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TAKE BREAKS 
Get out from underneath your study rock and get some fresh air. Hit the gym for an hour...go for a walk...watch an episode of House Hunters International (or three). The point here is to just go do something "other" than studying. Your brain definitely needs a break.
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KEEP IT MOVING 
Exercise has proven effective for stress reduction. Get up and move. Exercises pump up your endorphins and create a sense of well-being and confidence. Visit the CCRB, take a walk in the Arb, play a game of basketball or take a Zumba class. Whatever activity you choose, just move your body.
Please find the UMove Fitness Classes here!
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REST AND REFRESH
Almost everyone has done it at least once: that dreaded "all-nighter". This can be completely counterproductive to your study efforts. Try as much as possible to keep your normal sleep routine. Sacrificing 4 more hours of study time just is not worth it in the long run.
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DISCONNECT 
Try to avoid interruptions when studying. Disconnect! Turn off your cell phone, email and social media. Reward yourself by reconnecting after you've accomplished a study goal.
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REWARD YOURSELF 
You earned it. Go treat yourself to some ice cream. Maybe you'll finally take a trip to your favorite restaurant with some friends. It doesn't matter "what" you do. What matters is that your DO SOMETHING. Get in the habit of rewarding yourself for a job well done.
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Tips for Surviving Final Projects and Exams
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1) Make sure you get 6 hours of sleep: We all Know that it's nearly impossible to get the mandatory 8 or 9 hours of sleep during finals, so try to get at least 6 hours if possible.
2) Increase your vitamin intake: The only thing worse than the pressures of the Final Stretch is being sick during the Final Stretch. If you eat more fruits and vegetables at this time, it will help keep you healthy and on track during this time.
3) Study whenever there is free time: Even if you only have a half hour in between classes, it's worth it to pull out some notes and go over them quickly. Repetition is key to remembering.
4) Wear comfy clothes: On some campuses finals week has been nicknamed "sweatpants week." This is one week of the year that students feel free to wear sweatpants in public and not care.
5) Keep a to-do list nearby: To-do lists are a constant reminder of what you should be doing. By having it on you at all times, you can keep your priorities in order and check off what you've done as you go along, which can help you feel accomplished. A completed to-do list can raise your mood.
6) Go to the library with friends: If you want to still have a social life during the Final Stretch, make it productive. Hang out with friends while studying. They might even be able to help you with the things you don't understand or are having trouble remembering.
7) Take a break after finishing each task: After every chapter, allow yourself a fifteen minute break to eat a healthy snack (i.e. an apple or grapes), to check your e-mail, Facebook, or text back anyone who contacted you while you were working. It should give you a little extra boost to finish and help keep you from going insane by concentrating for too long a period of time.
8) Remember it's only temporary: This stress will not last. After the Final Stretch is over, everything will quiet down and you will be able to get back to your normal schedule.
Happy studying and we wish you well!
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