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Indiana University Indianapolis Division of Student Affairs
Stress Busters Week | December 3–12

Defeat finals stress and power up with FUN.

Recharge your study superpowers 

Taking breaks is key to staying focused before finals. Stress Busters Week is all about offering IU Indy students a variety of free, stress-relieving activities to help you refresh and power through final exams and projects.

*NEW this year: We've extended Stress Busters Week to 8 days so we can offer Jags more events and opportunities to de-stress.

See the full calendar of events
Two students painting pots at a Stress Busters Week event
The university library in the winter.

Find your study spot

Some people need noise around them to focus, while others focus best in a quiet space. Finding an environment that meets your study needs is important.

Favorite study spots on campus:

  • University Library
  • The Den in University Tower
  • The Cube (Campus Center 386)
  • Campus Center quiet room (340)

No matter where you choose to crack the books, check out our lo-fi Jazzy playlist to get into the zone.

Listen to lo-fi Jazzy
Two students studying outside the library at a picnic table

Taking breaks can actually boost your study sessions

Being intentional about when you rest between study periods and what you do during breaks will help you get the most benefit from your breaks.

Take action: Set your study breaks up for success

  • Plan out your study schedule with anticipated breaks, rather than cramming it all into one session.
  • Do activities during a study break without your phone like spending time outdoors or grabbing a snack.
  • Consider using “do not disturb” settings on your phone to avoid distractions. 
See how taking breaks helps your brain learn new skills
stress busters week

Fuel up for studying

Take action: Make your snacks filling and easy to grab-and-go

Pack energy-sustaining snacks that will keep you satisfied for studying like nuts and dried fruits, cottage cheese or yogurt, berries (for an added brain boost!), edamame, whole grain cracker, or toast with nut butter.

Take action: Keep caffeine in moderation

Too much of it and too late at night can disrupt your sleep—which can also impact memory retention and recall.

Take action: Get enough food to fuel your study session

Having enough food is key to learning. Paws’ Pantry can help you fill up on foods if you need it.

How to access Paws' Pantry
Student studying by White River State Park with the Indianapolis skyline in the background

Don’t skip out on sleep

Prioritizing your zzzs can help you recall information from your study sessions. Here are some tips and tricks to try:

Take action: Assess your sleep space

Get the best rest by snoozing in a space that’s comfortable, cool, quiet, and dark.

Take action: Make a bedtime routine

Power down electronic devices 30-60 minutes before going to bed. Incorporate relaxing activities before bed, like reading (for fun!), meditating, journaling, or listening to music.

Take action: Get up around the same time each day

Yes, even on the weekends! This helps your body get into a rhythm of waking up and feeling rested without having to rely as much on alarms and caffeine.

Take action: Incorporate sleep hygiene into your daily routine

Use your bed for sleep and intimacy only. That way you only associate your sleep space/bed with relaxing and getting to sleep.

Learn more about the importance of sleep hygiene
  • Student getting assistance with his paper from the University Writing Center.
    Academic support

    University Writing Center

    Get constructive feedback on your assignments and your writing process. Meet with a writing consultant in-person or virtually.

  • stress busters week
    24-hour support

    TimelyCare Talk Now services

    This free virtual portal can be accessed by all IU Indy students for individual counseling, group therapy, health and wellness coaching, and more.

  • Math tutor helping a student in the MAC
    Online resource

    Mathematics Assistant Center

    The MAC offers digital access to instructive shorts, class hand-outs, formula sheets, study guides, practice exams, and answer keys for certain math classes. All of which can be done on your own time.