11 Ways to De-Stress During Exams

Exams can be extremely stressful, especially at Drexel. We only have 10 weeks of classes, as opposed to other colleges, so midterms and finals creep up on us fast. Are you feeling anxious and stressed? Here are 11 ways to calm down and power through your exams.

1. Perform a three-minute meditation.

This website provides a "three-minute body scan" that can help you regulate breathing and promotes thought. It's a peaceful way to de-stress and relieve pre-test anxiety.

2. Exercise.

Exercise has been proven to release endorphins, which are basically the body's natural pain relievers. After exercising, many people feel an increase in mood and a reduction in stress levels. Working out for as little as 30 minutes a day can help reduce overall stress.

3. Create a study plan.

It's always better to be prepared and have a plan in place for studying. Last minute cramming never works, so it's best to spread studying out over a week or two. Choose the days you want to study and set time aside for it, but do not overwhelm yourself. I would try to stick to around 2-3 hours a day maximum.

4. Do something that you enjoy.

Whether you enjoy lighting candles and taking bubble baths or binge-watching Netflix, you should set some time aside in your busy schedule to do something that you enjoy every day.

5. Listen to music.

Listening to music can be very soothing and has great stress relieving benefits. Music can potentially lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and decrease stress hormones, so put on some calm music and unwind.

6. Talk about what is worrying you with a loved one.

It's good to talk about what is bothering you with a friend or family member. Venting to someone can help you to solve your own problems, and it is comforting to know that you have someone with a shoulder to lean on.

7. Get some fresh air.

There are many benefits to stopping and smelling the roses, literally. Certain flowers can reduce stress, such as lavender and roses, and fresh oxygen promotes happiness and energy.

8. Drink a glass of red wine.

Good news for all of you wine drinkers! Alcohol acts as a sedative, so it can help you relax if you are stressed. Don't drink too much though, you should limit yourself to one glass of wine.

9. Have sex.

Surprised that this made the list? You shouldn't be. Sexual activity triggers the pleasure pathways in our brain and can relieve stress, especially if an orgasm is reached. So it's time to get freaky, as long as it is safe and consensual!

10. Do yoga.

Yoga focuses on breathing, meditation, and calming positions to release tension in the body and to reduce overall anxiety.

11. Go to the counseling center.

The counseling center at Drexel is a great resource in learning how to cope with the daily stress of being a college student. You can learn more about the services here, and even make an appointment online.

If you are uncomfortable seeing a counselor in person, Drexel even offers a confidential Peer Counseling services via telephone.

It's time to take control of your stress. Good luck!