There are few times in college that are more stressful than the weeks leading up to finals. All of the sudden, there's only a few weeks left before your final exams start. The pressure is mounting and you can feel it almost everywhere you go.
1. My gym membership.
Going to the gym is one of my favorite ways to destress when things get tough. It may seem hard to squeeze in a workout with an already packed schedule, but giving up an hour or so of studying for a release of endorphins is a good tradeoff. Your brain needs a break. Some people even bring notes to look at while on cardio machines.
2. My local Starbucks, or campus coffee shop.
If you're able to study in a public place with a little noise, try your local Starbucks or the campus coffee shop. It helps to change up your environment if you're starting to lose focus. Get distracted easily? You can use your favorite drink as motivation before or after you study.
3. Showers.
Taking a shower is another of my favorite ways to destress after a long day. The steam instantly relaxes you and you have an opportunity to just think and maybe even forget about finals for a little while. You have to shower anyway. (Please do us all a favor and don't forget to shower.)
4. Friends
Your friends are going through the same exact thing that you are, so they'll be able to commiserate with the pressure you feel to finish everything and ace your exams. Social interaction is important, and makes you feel like a human after spending hours with your computer and textbooks.
5. My favorite weekly tv show. (or Netflix, but that's more dangerous)
If you're not a coffee drinker, you can use one of your favorite tv shows as motivation. This is a slippery slope, but if you are able to have self restraint and set a limit, treat yourself to an episode as a reward.
6. My planner.
I don't know what I would do with my planner. (Actually, I would probably never remember anything and be lost all the time.) Plotting out what you need to get done and when you're going to do it helps you stay organized and stress less.
7. Spotify (or Pandora).
Spotify (or Pandora, whatever your jam is) are both great study and relaxation tools. You can use them to help you relax or concentrate by letting it create playlists for you based on your favorite songs and artists.
