Finals are just around the corner, which means anxiety and stress are not far behind. How are you suppose to study for three finals, write two papers and do a group project all in one week? While freaking out is completely normal, and pretty much inevitable, there are simple ways to help you de-stress!
Make a List
Personally, I plan out my entire day, every day. Making a list of the things you need to do is such an easy way to make sure you have enough time to do everything. Making a list keeps you organized, which definitely helps reduce stress. For days that I don’t have a lot to do, I set reminders or alarms in my phone reminding me to do things rather than making an entire list. I make my to-do list each night before I go to sleep, thus saving me from lying awake thinking about all the things I have to do and hoping that I’ll remember it all.
Eat Right
Not only does eating well sound so cliche but it’s hard to do, right? Personally, when I’m stressed I eat things like cookies and donuts because I figure if it tastes good it’ll make me feel good. But there are actually certain foods that will reduce your stress.
Snack on these during finals week:
Blueberries
Avocado
Turkey
Sweet Potatoes
Dark Chocolate (best one)
Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. So after you decide to stress eat the cookies or the donuts, try running off the calories while reducing stress at the same time.
Color
Coloring is extremely therapeutic. While I’m not saying you have to go out and create a masterpiece, simple doodles at the top of your homework you’re supposed to be doing can be more helpful than you think.
Spend time with friends
Completely unwind by hanging out with your friends. Even hanging out with them to complain about your stress is helpful. Then once you’re all done whining and complaining, turn on a movie, pour some wine and chill out! You deserve time to relax.
Just remember, finals will eventually be over. Despite how much you cry or think about dropping out, remember the semester will eventually come to an end and you will be happy again.
