We all know that that time of the year is coming, and no, it's not break. It's that special time of year we all the to hate: finals. Finals can make you wish that you had never encountered that college professor, take up all your time, and make your body build up so much stress that your worry lines have worry lines. But there are a few ways to beat the finals stress blues.
10. Make a fun holiday DIY project.
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Art therapy has been proven to reduce stress, slowing the heat rate and lowering levels of cortisol. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you should know your stressors and how to identify them. When you can, you can put this art into action.
9. Take a walk with another stressed-out friend.
Walking has been shown to relieve tension and clear the mind. You can also gossip about all of your dragon-esque teachers and their totally unfair finals.
8. Become a yogi.
Or at least an aspiring one. Yoga's strong roots in meditation and slow, purposeful breathing have been shown to have beneficial effects. According to The U.S. National Library of Medicine, yoga not only reduces stress but anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well.
7. Sing it out with Adele.
Music therapy, similar to art therapy, is shown to have essentially the same benefits. Plus, who does not want to get a good cry on listening to "Hello?"
6. Keep on movin'.
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy, and happy people just can't fail their exams. The rush of endorphins has even been equated to getting high, particularly by runners.
5. Put down the peppermint mocha.
Reducing caffeine intake can lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and slow your respiratory rate; all of which can lead to the reduction of stress. So do yourself a favor, and steer clear of the controversy, and just pick up a water.
4. Pet an adorable puppy.
Dogs have been proven to improve the health of their owners including boosting the immune system, making them more social, and raising their heart health. The simple act of petting a tiny ball of fluff has been shown to lower the heart rate and blood pressure of the person.
3. Get in a trance.
Hypnosis is an ancient practice, but more and more often it's being shown that it can do more than make your friends do the "Chicken Dance" in front of your whole college. Self hypnosis, a form of deep meditation, can really benefit all aspects of a person.
2. Picture yourself on a beach.
Autogenic relaxation is a method that requires you to visualize yourself in a relaxing situation. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure my happy place is somewhere in Fiji.
1. Kiss a stranger.
Kissing releases hormones that lower cortisol, the stress hormone. So next time you mac on that random hottie, just tell your judgmental friend you're doing it for your health.
