Finals week is coming up so you know what that means? Stress. Some of you might be thinking I was going to say summer or studying but that plays into stress too. A lot of people suffer a lot of stress during the last week of school and it has a toll on our bodies. Here are my favorite ways to de-stress and take some time for me.

1. Take a break!

This might sound counterintuitive. If you have a final coming up you might think that the last thing you would have time to do is take a break, but taking a nap or grabbing some food or watching an episode of your favorite show might be the perfect way to unwind. Get your mind off of your stressor and take a break.

2. Exercise.

Exercise releases hormones in your brain that can combat the feelings of stress. The exercise itself is also great for stress. I know when I exercise I feel the stress practically leaving my body and I can actually focus on my work better than I was able to before. It's a great way to take my mind off of studying or just my everyday stress in general.

3. Talk to Loved Ones.

Surprisingly a quick phone call to your mom or dad or significant other can reset your thinking. A quick conversation can make you happy and get you ready to keep studying and boost your mood as well. Your loved ones usually know exactly what to say to cheer you up and calm you down.

4. Laugh.

Whether it is to spend time with someone you find hilarious or watching something on youtube that makes you crack a smile its worth the time out. Smiling, like exercising can release hormones in your brain to combat the stress you're feeling. It's a great way to unwind and

5. Meditate.

This could be anything from praying to deep breathing. These can help you relax if you're suffering something like a panic attack. They can reclaim your breathing and calm down your mind and body.

6. Get some fresh air.

There's something soothing about taking a break and stepping outside in the middle of a huge study session that gives me my second wind. Not only do my eyes get a break from staring at the computer screen but the fresh air brings new ways to cope with everything to the forefront.

Stress is not something to take lightly, but its also something we can avoid and reduce. So, if you're having a stressful finals week like almost all of your peers, pick one or two or all of the suggestions above and get to reducing that stress. your quality of life will improve and hopefully so will your grades!