Fall Break is fast approaching on college campuses, and that means there is still a week of hellish midterms standing in between you and a much-deserved mini-vacation. But don't stress out! Stress makes it more difficult for the brain to focus and retain information, and is very draining emotionally and physically on your body. That is not the way to ace your midterms! Here is a list of things that can help the harried college student de-stress in time for midterms to guarantee a good grade and an awesome vacation.
Animal therapy
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Studies have shown that spending time with animals can significantly reduce stress levels and will generally make you happier. Visit a friend with a dog or take a trip to the local animal shelter and just pet every cute animal you see -- just make sure to take a lint roller with you.
Back massages
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If you have tight and sore muscles, that could be contributing to elevated stress levels. Find a friend (or splurge and go to a masseuse) to help you loosen those tight muscles and release all of the extra tension in your body.
Exercise
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Sometimes it's easier to just sweat out all of the stress and pent up emotion from your system. Exercising is a great way to get your body and your mind in better shape -- humans don't feel balanced when we aren't active. Whether you exercise regularly or haven't been to the gym in months, there are various ways to get a good workout. Go on a walk or run, play a game of soccer or basketball with some friends, or even try yoga.
Drink tea
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Drinking tea is a great method of relaxation. Brewing your favorite blend and feeling the warmth spread throughout your body as you sip it is very satisfying. Chamomile, mint, and lemon balm are just a few popular blends that are known for their relaxing effects. Take a chill pill, and drink some tea.
Read a book
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Sometimes, you need to stop doing whatever is stressing you out for a while and do something else instead. Pick up a book you've been meaning to read (do not pick up a textbook! Don't do it!) for a while and haven't gotten around to, and enjoy a few chapters. Your notes will still be there in a few hours, but your peace of mind will definitely thank you for taking a break.
Clean Your space
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Cluttered spaces can actually increase stress levels and make it difficult to focus. If you've got a messy desk, maybe take a minute to put things in order. You'll feel accomplished and productive with the added bonus of having more room to study!
Get organized
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After cleaning the physical clutter, it's nice to organize cluttered thoughts, too. Instead of wasting mental energy worrying about all of the things you have to do, put everything down in a list. Get the nagging worry out of your head and onto paper -- it will free your brain to focus on one task at a time, and will make it less likely that you forget something.
Take a bath
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A hot bath is a great way to clear your mind and relax. A hot soak can release tense muscles and increase circulation, and it's nice to splash around in the water every now and then. Add a bath bomb in your favorite scent and play in the bubbles, too.
"Treat yo self!"
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If you are hardcore stressing out about exams, take a breather and go do something you enjoy. Spend some money on yourself, because you have earned it! Buy that ice cream cone or those three books you've been wanting at Barnes and Noble. This method only works if you have saved up money for such occasions, so buyers beware!
Do chores
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Do something that is a bit mindless. Maybe something that doesn't require thinking and that will let you relax your brain. Cooking, laundry, washing the dishes -- anything you can do on autopilot that help you recuperate from constantly being "on."
Talk it out
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Sometimes you just need to talk about whatever is bothering you, and then you can let it go. Call up your mom or dad, have a pow-wow with a friend, or write a letter you'll never send. Get those feelings out somehow, and you'll feel a lot better. Acknowledging your stress, processing it, and then releasing it is a healthy way of managing stress.
Music and dancing
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Crank up your tunes and jam out. Listening to music can help you focus or it can take your mind off of things, depending on what you listen to. Having some lighthearted fun while you study can ease the pressure a bit.
Laugh it up
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In between study breaks, watch something funny. Whether you like reruns of your favorite TV shows on Netflix, or if you go out to see sketch comedy shows, or if you just scroll through YouTube and watch videos of cats, sneaking in some time to laugh can greatly reduce stress and anxiety, and will make you feel happier in general.
Ground yourself
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Have an honest conversation with yourself -- your academics are important, but they are not more important than your health. They are not more important than sleep, eating properly, or tending to your mental health. Take care of yourself first -- you can tackle any midterm so long as you stay on top of your game!
And sometimes it's okay to realize that not everything will go perfectly or how you planned. Don't worry about the things you cannot control. Do your very best, and everything will turn out alright.
