It’s about that time; time to crunch numbers, facts and study snacks to get in those last moments of quality study time before finals are upon us.
The Tomas Rivera Center is once again sponsoring the Stress Down Day on April 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Rec Center. If the idea of spending some time around the therapy dogs that will be present isn’t alluring enough, the event will also feature aromatherapy, chair massages, bubbles, stress balls and coloring for troubled brains about to undergo Armageddon once again.
Whether this is your first time or your last time taking final exams here are some ideas to de-stress before finals that are sure to help you take a break.
1. Take a yoga class
Or any activity that involves exercise. It is scientifically proven that exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good neurotransmitters that combat the negative effects of stress. Go for a run, a bike ride, play a game of basketball or check out the rock wall at the Rec Center.
2. Go to a body of water
Try going to a lake, river or pool, and take a leisurely swim in the sun. If you want something a bit more relaxing, try kayaking in the early hours of the morning when the water is calm and still; more importantly, there aren’t as many people around, so you don’t have to pretend you are anyone other than a stressed out college kid.
3. Go out
Familiarize yourself with normalcy. Feast your eyes on some romance, horror, action or even a religious film at a movie theater. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi, go to a coffee shop or even take a trip downtown to the Pearl or the Riverwalk to reacquaint yourself with the city you live in instead of your dorm room or the library.
4. Stay in
Sleep in, cook yourself some breakfast (milk and cereal works too– you chef, you) and pretend to be productive by organizing your closet or your life (let’s not kid ourselves, that would take too long). Then reminisce about the good ‘ole days by looking through old albums, or glancing/grimacing at old Facebook photos! Listen to some of your favorite music and try listening to “Stressed Out” by 21 Pilots. Listen to it on repeat until the tears dry. Then knit or complete a puzzle (don’t laugh, it’s monotonous and relaxing), play dress up (this is how new trends get started), or have a dance party all by yourself (if you’re brave you’ll leave the blinds open). Finally, take a very long shower or a bubble bath. End your day with an early night (to give your phone a break) and wake up refreshed and ready to kick butt.
Whichever way you decide to de-stress before finals remember that you aren’t done yet. After finals, you can take that road trip, max out your credit cards, or make good on that ancient New Year’s resolution to hibernate in the depths of time with nothing else to sustain you but the bountiful reserves of Netflix and YouTube. However, those tests aren’t going to take themselves so don’t allow your mind go on hiatus. Seriously though, take a break, take your exams and then take the rest of the summer off, because you are all such fantastic students! Best of luck, and may superb scores be with you and the finals be ever in your favor.
