With finals just around the corner students all over the world have been having difficulty relaxing. It's almost like we, as students, have forgotten how. We have projects, and essays, and hours of studying to do! But stress can have innumerable negative effects, so it's important to remember to take a step back and relax as often as possible. If you're anything like me, and sometimes need a reminder that it's alright to take a breather sometimes, here are some words of wisdom:

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”
― Amit Ray, Om Chanting and Meditation

There are a lot of moments where we get caught up in what might happen if we don't study for those 30 extra minutes, or about how we think we did on that last final. You can't change the past, and you won't do well on that exam if you don't make your body's physical and phycological needs a priority. Make sure that you pause your life for just a few minutes a day to prioritize yourself, and just make sure you are doing what is healthy for your body and mind.

“Doing something positive will help turn your mood around. When you smile, your body relaxes. When you experience human touch and interaction, it eases tension in your body.”
― Simone Elkeles, Return to Paradise

Don't ever forget the importance of a positive attitude. Everyone is stressed out sometimes, so try and be the reason that someone else can calm down and enjoy their day. They might do the same thing for you someday.

“Work. Don't Think. Relax.”
― Ray Bradbury

We are all our own worst enemies. Do your best to always think about the positives of your work, it will really help take some of the weight off of your shoulders.

“I think best in a hot bath, with my head tilted back and my feet up high.”
― Elizabeth Jane Howard, Mr. Wrong

No one thinks properly when they are tense. Spend a few minutes a day doing whatever you need to do to treat yourself. Take a warm bath, light a nice scented candle, take a quick nap, listen to your favorite song, go for a jog, etc. Do whatever you need to do to give yourself a few moments of peace.

“I hear many people share with me that they just 'have to do this thing' before they can relax and slow down. The truth is that taking the time to be still and reflective actually increases productivity and gives more joy to what you're doing when it's time to take action again.”
― Maria Erving

No one works well under extreme amounts of stress. Doing "just one more thing" before you can rest will not help you in the long run. The stress you feel will not go away the way you want it to because there will always be "one more thing." Give yourself a break. Get your work done, while also putting your own health and sanity first.

With all of the craziness that goes along with the end of the semester, sometimes we forget that our bodies are not just machines. We need to stop and relax everyonce in awhile, or we will burn out and can suffer long term negative effects. Do your best on your finals, but make sure you remain healthy and sane at the same time.