Finals week will be here soon enough, and in the meantime, we college students need all the rest and relaxation we can get.
But I'm so busy, you say. I don't even have time to close my eyes, much less relax!
If that's you, then read on!
These tips and tricks, all of which can be done in the privacy and (safety) of your apartment, dorm, or house, are super easy, accessible, and quick to do.
You can thank me later.
1. Green Tea
Green tea contains L-Theanine, a chemical that helps relieve anger (specifically, it reduces psychological and physiological responses to stress). Boil some up, pour it in a cup, and take a few minutes to hold it in your hands (careful, don't burn yourself) and unwind.
2. Chocolate
Remember in "Harry Potter" when Lupin gave Harry chocolate after Harry first met the dementors? Well, J.K. Rowling had it right -- just 1.4 ounces (a square) of dark chocolate can stabilize metabolism and regulate stress hormone cortisol levels.
3. Honey
Honey contains compounds that reduce inflammation in the brain, meaning it reduces depression and anxiety. So mix in some honey with your tea, drizzle it on some bread, use it like syrup on your pancakes -- it's a natural skin moisturizer as well, so don't worry about it being messy!
4. Gum
The physical motion of chewing has actually been proven to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels. Any flavor will do!
5. Crunchy Snacks
Again, the physical motion of chewing can reduce stress -- but it (surprisingly) has been proven to relax us even more if that food is crunchy or salty!
6. Comfy Pillows
Sometimes, all you need is to rest your head on something. You might not be able to nap, per se, but for a few seconds, you can find something comfortable to take that weight off your neck, can't you?
7. Slow Breathing
Slow, deep breaths are the easiest way to lower both blood pressure and heart rate. A cool trick I learned from my Health professor is to: Breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold it for five seconds, then release slowly for five seconds. Repeat. (Along with drinking tons of water, it's good for getting rid of headaches!)
8. Count Backward
Try slowly counting to 10, and then back again. Or, if you're an advanced student and want to get fancy, try saying the alphabet backward. It's all about taking it one step at a time -- it's harder to freak out about an upcoming exam when you're trying to remember what comes before Q.
9. Stress Ball
Easily one of the oldest tricks in the book. If you don't have a stress ball, however, physical touch often works just as well. Just grab the nearest person (who is NOT a stranger, don't get creepy) and you can either hold hands or hug.
10. Brush Your Hair
Girls, this one's for you. Repetitive, mindless motions like brushing hair, washing dishes, knitting, or folding clothes can help the body relax. (Plus, you'll look fab afterwards.)
11. Cold Water
Forget the perfume, use water instead! Cold water behind the earlobes and on the wrists -- where the major arteries are -- can cool down the body and calm you dow.
12. Sunlight
One of the best things about Southern California is the year-round sunshine. We actually need sunshine to function properly, particularly emotionally. Sunlight can cheer up both those who suffer from depression and those who don't. Conversely, lack of sunlight can be a factor in depression, so make sure you're getting enough vitamin D!
13. Get Organized
Put your life in order -- the clutter might be stressing you out! Take a few minutes to reorganize your work space or tidy up your room; everything will be clean and you'll feel more in control of your life afterward.
14. Stretch
Our muscles tense up after a stressful workday. Doing a quick stretch can help us unwind, and also provides a much-needed break from studying or writing that paper! There are several stretches you could do, all from the comfort of your desk chair -- try a shoulder roll-out or chest-opening stretch, for starters!
15. Quick Walk
If you've got the time and the weather's nice, go for a quick stroll. Although "The fresh air will do you good" is a bit of a cliche, that doesn't make it any less true. You'll not only get fresh air in your lungs, but also alone time, physical activity, and time to get your thoughts in order.
16. Favorite Song
Sometimes, all we need is to blast our favorite song as loud as possible and sing along (as terribly as possible, because it's more fun that way). If, however, you want to be considerate of other people who are also stressed out, just listening to your favorite tune is enough to put you in a better mood and reduce stress.
17. Dance
If you're already listening to your favorite song, why not dance along to it? Even if it's a slow song, make up your own moves or just let yourself go for a few minutes. The physical activity will help you unwind and clear your head.
18. Smell
Certain odors can actually change your mood. Try flowers, aromatherapy, citrus, that fresh coffee smell -- all of them can calm the body (ironic about the coffee, though).
19. Cuddle (With a Pet)
A boyfriend or girlfriend might do the trick, but let's face it -- they don't have nearly enough fur. If you've had a rough day and need to relax, snuggle up with a pet. Pets have actually been proven to boost self-esteem!
20. Laugh
Laughter is the cure-all of diseases (not really, but you know what I mean). So what's the science behind it? Basically, laughter (or a fit of hysterics) increases blood flow and boosts immunity. There's probably also a release of endorphins in the brain to make you feel happier, and therefore less stressed!
If what you need right now is to laugh, check out these (my personal go-to) "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" videos (I, II, and III) or watch an episode of your favorite comedy.
Check out these articles for more tips: Greatist, WebMD, Health.com, and Psychcentral.



































