As finals are looming around the corner, stress is one of the main words in every student's vocabulary. Papers, essays, tests, exams, presentations, power points are adding up every time you turn around and it feels like stress is consuming your entire life.

Finding a way out from stress doesn't even feel like an option, considering you barely have time to breathe, let alone do something "for fun." This is where we tend to go incredibly wrong. One of the worst things you can do when preparing for finals is constantly doing work around the clock. One of the simplest ways to kick back and relax? Coloring. Yep. I said it. Coloring. As in with crayons and paper, or whatever you choose. It may seem childish, but it does wonders. It is quick, easy and stress relieving and come on, who really doesn't want to feel like a kid again from time to time?

Now, if you feel too silly carrying around your coloring book and crayons, do some adult versions of art. Find a Paint Night event around your area. Some of my roommates and I went to a local one, Paint Mixer NJ at Montclair's very own Just Jake's. If you are 21+ sign up! Go with friends, grab some great food and great drinks and learn to paint for a few hours of fun!

Jake's is a popular, lively bar with a rustic feel yet welcoming feel to it. It is a chameleon of bars, always transforming to meet the demands of the latest event going on. We went to Paint Mixer held in the back dining room, which happened to be the same night they typically hold Trivia Night in the main room out front. Both rooms were packed with ladies and gentlemen of all ages, so make sure to get there a little early.

Luckily we signed up a few days in advance for Paint Mixer because the room was almost full by time we arrived! For around $30 they provided everything we needed. All of the art supplies and even aprons so you don't need to worry about your clothes. Warm and welcoming, the servers and instructors help you get yourself settled in and set up and ready to paint! Even though we went with a few friends, we all found that it was so relaxing and kept catching ourselves really diving into the work instead of chatting. Anytime we had a problem (considering we are nowhere near Picasso status) the instructor was right there to help us fix it, in order to be sure we were happy with how our painting came out.

Sharing a few appetizers and some drinks, we grazed and sipped as we went. I couldn't believe two hours had already gone by as we finished up. From the relaxed and renewed vibes of everyone in the class, you could tell we wished it wasn't over quite just yet as we all ambled around looking from painting to painting, commenting on each other's work and making friends as we did. As soon as we were done, my friends and I were on our phones planning the next time we could come.

So the next time you need a de-stressing night out, look for something creative and fun, rather than just zoning out on Netflix or the usual plans you and your friends go for. Let your inner child come out or play Painter as a big kid with some drinks! Either way, you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle all of the work that lay ahead.