Finals. We all have them. We all hate them. We break our backs working hard all semester, pumping and dumping information from our classes in an attempt to pass. Finals are a test to see just how much we can push our pumping and dumping abilities and maybe even learn something in the process! All joking aside, I reach supernatural levels of stress during finals, which results in poor test scores, which I can't afford to be getting, not this week.
I decided enough is enough. Finals are scary and stressing out won't make them any easier. Here's a great list of ways to reduce stress before finals, because I need it and I know you do too.
1. Sleep!
I know its tempting to stay up until 2 am watching 13 Reasons Why, but honey, that's not going to relieve any stress whatsoever. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep instead of 4 or 5 will have you waking up stress free, relaxed, and ready to take on the world.
2. Exercise
Hitting the gym is probably the last thing on your mind, but trust me, twenty minutes on the elliptical actually leaves you quite refreshed and has been proven to reduce stress.
3. Read Odyssey articles ;)
Reading in general is a great way to reduce stress, so why not take a nice break reading some bomb articles?
4. Grab a friend and get a mani-pedi
There's nothing like getting pampered with an oh so sweet student discount.
5. Take a hot shower
I'm stressed, so I can use all of the hot water. Sorry not sorry.
6. Dance
If it works for Meredith and Cristina, it will work for me.
7. Make a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to while studying.
I study best with country music on, because nothing motivates me more than Sam Hunt.
8. Go outside and get some fresh air
Get out of your stuffy room, even if it's for a few minutes. Fresh air works wonders.
9. Have a piece of your favorite candy
Treat yourself. You deserve it.
10. Gaze at the stars
Lie down and just stare at that big night sky. Bring a blanket and some friends and see how many constellations you can find besides Orion or the Big and Little Dipper.
11. Find a farm and pet some baby animals
This is the time of year baby animals are born, like sheep and goats and pigs. Try finding a farm near you, my school happens to have one on campus, and see if you're allowed to pet the animals.
12. Puppy therapy
Why stop with the farm when you can also find cute puppers to pet as well? Colleges even bring in therapy dogs for times like these.
13. Call your parents, or grandparents, or your favorite aunt
Just hearing a familiar voice is a pleasant little distraction from how stressed your upcoming Biology final is making you.
14. Daydream
Daydream about the fact that in a week you'll be lying on your towel on the beach getting an all over sunburn, which will turn into a nice golden tan, if you're lucky.
15. Breathe
Breathe. Just breathe. It's going to be all over soon and you'll be free.
