Opinion Staff Editorial

Staff Editorial: Hang in there, Cougars

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When it comes to procrastination, no one does it better than college students. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

The end of the semester is so close, we can almost see the end, complete with eggnog, warm fires, friends, family and the usual good cheer.

But final exams have reared their ugly heads like the Hydra. It’s so easy to look the other way and take your chances with a lesser evil: procrastination.

According to the American Psychology Association, in a 2007 meta-analysis by University of Calgary psychologist Piers Steel, “80 percent to 95 percent of college students procrastinate, particularly when it comes to doing their coursework.”

As we all know, this results in lower final exam scores and assignment grades and a more disappointing GPA overall.

Most students are aware of this annoying fact. The Cougar feels your pain, whether your stress is caused by finals week or trying to deal with holiday planning. It’s a lot easier to binge-watch your worries away or daydream about Zoo Lights and put off your work until later tonight which sometimes becomes early tomorrow morning.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “procrastinators attempt to avoid the anxiety or worry aroused by a tough task with activities aimed at repairing their mood, such as checking Facebook or taking a nap. But the pattern, which researchers call ‘giving in to feel good,’ makes procrastinators feel worse later.”

Perhaps it is denial, or just rationalization, but we think we can do it all with just a little help. Coffee and energy drink-fueled delirium essay-writing and studying can be dangerous.

“Studies show more than 400 mg per day can put a person at risk of adverse effects,.” according to Inc. Just two tall brewed coffees from Starbucks can tip you over the limit, which could mean high blood-pressure and heart issues in the future.

Some of us might think that we can afford to take a chance. But why take the chance when there are better alternatives?

According to U.S. News, “Getting good sleep, exercising or eating a snack packed with protein and complex carbohydrates” is much better for your health. But perhaps the best alternative is to start early, as simple as it sounds, and do a portion of the work so you are not overwhelmed later.

The familiar time crunch is particularly negative for students who need to tap into their creative side for essays or projects.

Make time for yourself and your work. There’s only a week or two left for most students on campus, then Fall 2015 is over forever.

Hang in there.

 

— The Cougar Editorial Board

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