Finals are hard and definitely stressful. If you're looking for a way to relieve stress during finals week, here are some for you to try!
1. Have a snack.
It'll give you a little energy and it tastes good. Power through your work for the food.
2. Try some beginner yoga.
I've never done yoga myself, but some of these poses are very easy and will help you to breathe and relax. If you're feeling tense, sitting in the same place, studying for hours on end, yoga could be the perfect solution.
3. Netflix and Chill.
With yourself, your friends, whoever! Just make sure that you limit yourself to one episode if you're watching a show mid-study or you reward yourself with a longer watch post-study. Netflix can be distracting if you can't say no when they ask, "Are you still watching?"
4. Listen to music.
My personal favorite stress reliever. Music is an escape and nothing makes me feel better than listening and singing along to my favorite song.
5. Read a chapter of a book
Fiction can take you to a whole other world (outside of the library you're probably sitting in) and non-fiction can take you back in time (when the dinosaurs roamed and finals didn't exist). Books are a great way to get out of your own head and away from studying.
6. Take a short walk outside and get some fresh air.
Fresh air can be a greater help than you think. The library can get stuffy and taking a deep from of December air can relieve all of your in-library stress.
7. Try meditating.
If Beyoncé can do it, you can too. I've never meditated myself, but the steps included in the link seem simple and easy enough to do on your own for the first time!
8. Call your parents or a friend for 15 minutes.
My Mom and my best friend always know how to make me feel better when I'm stressed. A phone call with a loved one can totally change your attitude about studying and boost your confidence to push through finals week.
9. Get some coffee at your campus Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.
My personal saving grace. Even if you don't like coffee, take a walk with your friends and pick up some hot tea or a snack!
10. If any campus groups are sponsoring stress relief activities, like petting service dogs or making stress balls, take part in those!
These events are planned for stress relief. They're there for you to take advantage of (and usually they're *free*). And who wouldn't want to pet some puppies, right?
To all you final-takers out there:
