Preparing for finals, and the actual process of taking them, can be extremely stressful. Often during finals time we forget to take care of ourselves and make ourselves happy. Just because you're under a lot of pressure doesn't mean you shouldn't take time to smile.

1. Take an extra-long shower, even if you have calc homework to finish.

2. Spend time after the shower to moisturize your winter-cracked skin with the best-smelling lotion you can find.

3. FaceTime or text your old friend back home and just listen to what has been happening in their life recently.

4. Sit in a coffee shop (Thirsty Minds, anyone?) and linger over your drink a little longer than usual. Take your time to savor every sip.

5. Maybe talk to someone new in the coffee shop. Making new friends is always a wonderful feeling.

6. Visit a nearby park or greenhouse and listen to your favorite band, while taking time to literally smell the roses. (The Mount Holyoke greenhouse is a wonderful place to de-stress for a bit.)

7. Watch an episode of a really trashy TV show. Laughing at the show will make you feel a bitter better about yourself.

8. Get dinner with some friends. Don't worry about the calories and just eat.

9. Make silly faces at a little kid or baby you see in the store.

10. Have a big cup of tea with a few squirts of lemon.

11. Turn off your phone and social media for even just half an hour. Appreciate what's around you.

12. Take a long walk on the way back from class. Enjoy the fresh, crisp air before it's too cold.

13. Allow yourself to stay in for a Friday night and cuddle under some blankets while watching a movie alone. Enjoy eating all the popcorn and crying over sad clips.

14. Call your mom or other relative and remind them you love them.

15. Find a dog, as there are plenty on campus, and pet it for as long as his or her owner will let you.