With about three weeks left of school, we can feel the pressure and can start to crack a little. Here are some tips to help you de-stress and relax. There are few alternatives to curling up in a ball and crying due to stress.
Spend a Saturday volunteering.
I think in the stress of exams, papers, and registration, we forget that we are living in a bubble and every once in awhile we need to pop that bubble and give back to the community. Whether it is helping out at an animal shelter or just picking up at a beach clean-up, just go out for an hour and do something that will get your mind off of the stress of life and will help other people as well. You will be surprised how re-energized your mind will be and how rejuvenated you will feel.
Find a new favorite song/band.
A lot of bands and singers have been coming out with new music, and now is the time to explore some new stuff. May I recommend The Lumineers new album “Cleopatra”—it is a great studying playlist. It is also nice to try something new when you are sick of everything. 
Do something nice for your roommate.
Sometimes we think that the whole world is crashing down around us and no one else. Your roommate also has two tests and an eight page paper to write. So treat them to something nice. Even if it is just a motivational sticky note, it will make their day. Whether you are close with them or you haven’t spoken since the first day of school, a small kind gesture never hurts. 
Workout in the morning.
I know it may sound crazy, but it is one of the best pump-ups for the day. You get to sweat all by yourself, because no one actually goes to the gym (probably because they haven’t read this article). Trust me, working out in the morning is the way to go. You will feel less guilty about eating dessert at lunch and at dinner.
Throw away clothes you do not need.
In the midst of spring cleaning, go through your clothes and start a donation pile. It is also super fun if you get some of your floormates to do a clothes swap. You get free clothes, they get free clothes—it is a win-win for everyone. After you donate, now you have an excuse to go shopping. 
Go to a college event that you have never gone to before.
At the end of the school year, clubs do a lot of end of the year events and you should totally take advantage of it. There is so much free stuff, all of your friends will be there, it is an excuse not to study, and did I mention the free stuff?
Sit in the front (or back) of class.
If you are one of those people who sits in the back of class, try sitting in the front of class and see what happens. The teacher may notice you more and you may learn a few things. If you always sit in the front, treat yourself and sit in the back and give the other kids a chance to shine. 
Write a letter.
Your friends at other schools miss you. Write a letter to brighten their day.
Call your parents/grandparents/siblings.
They miss you and can’t wait to see you, but that doesn’t mean that you shut them out for the next three weeks. It is a nice study break and it will make your day.
Take a nap.
Not like a “three-hour, sleep through your classes” type of nap, take more of a “30 minute power nap.” It is a great excuse to not do your homework and it can mentally prepare you to get through the rest of the day. Naps are secret weapons when it comes to getting through long days and long nights.
Just because every other article says that you have to be stressed, it simply is not true. You can still have an amazing end of the semester if you step out of your bubble and change up your schedule a little.
