Have you ever seen a stress-free college student?
I haven't, unless you count the freshmen who mess up the first half of the semester, say "screw it" to the rest and never attend class again. Let's be honest, even they felt the emotional and metal stress on the inside.
Final exam week can be the most stressful time of the year for high school and college students. With the holidays around the corner and your GPA hanging in the balance, the mere mention of the word “finals” can be enough to send you into a tailspin. Before you start catastrophizing about every possible worst-case scenario, take a deep breath and start planning how you’ll get through exam period with minimal stress with these useful tips.
1. Let's Get Physical
Hitting the gym has always been my go-to method for alleviating stress. Exercise is a great way to work out your frustrations - plus, it's essential for becoming and staying healthy! If you're not so much a treadmill or elliptical machines, another alternative to get some exercise and really de-stress is yoga. Yoga can create a relaxing environment will help lower your stress level.
2. Try Aromatherapy
Among other things, aromatherapy is great for alleviating tension. Peppermint and eucalyptus scents are said to help with your mental state and to increase focus and memory, while lavender, sandalwood, rosemary and chamomile have a calming, relaxing effect. Aromatherapy candles, oils, bath bombs, and diffusers will create the ultimate bubble bath to decreased stress levels and eliminate all negative thoughts of failing all of your exams.
3. Take a Mental Break
When you're studying for your final exams, your brain consumes large amounts of glucose. Whether its scrolling on Facebook or pinning pins on Pinterest, take a five-minute break every hour to let your body produce more fuel for your studying. Just remember, taking breaks can actually improve your studying techniques!
4. Remember to Sleep
Remember to set aside at least six or seven hours - ideally eight - in your schedule for some some beauty sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to memory loss, inability to concentrate, headaches, and increased stress levels, all of which are things you most definitely want to avoid during finals week! If you're trying to pull an all-nighter, then at least take some mini naps throughout the day to maintain your energy levels.
5. Bake a Healthy Breakfast Treat
Baking, like drawing or playing music, can be a surprisingly soothing activity that helps silence racing thoughts. Try making a healthy, nutrient-packed goodies such as blueberry muffins or protein bars to fuel your brain early in the morning.
