With finals coming just around the corner, students have a surprisingly increased amount of anxiety caused by deadlines, assignments, and projects in classes. On anxiety the American Psychological Association states "About 18 percent of U.S. adults and 25 percent of adolescents age 13 to 18 will experience anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. About 4 percent of adults, and nearly 6 percent of teens, have anxiety disorders classified as severe." Here are some interesting ideas that you can try in order to help anxiety over the next few weeks.

---

1. Make sure to get plenty of rest

"When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest."
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America

2. Take frequent walks

I always tell my friends, personally, as someone with a psychology minor, that going out for walks is one of the best possible ways to deal with stress. Walks are used as a DBT technique for treating anxiety and is considered very therapeutic. I usually tell my friends when they are experiencing those racing thoughts to go outside and count backwards from 100 (it will give your mind something else to think about rather then the anxious feelings you are having).

3. Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is described as:

"Instead of eating mindlessly, putting food into your mouth almost unconsciously, not really tasting the food you're eating... you notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations." - Zenhabits.net

Think about how the food tastes, feels, and describe it in full detail while you eat it. Be mindful and only think about that food. Block out all other thoughts you may have about what is stressing you out.

4. Visit the counseling center as needed

On campus, we offer a counseling center for all students who need it. It is always good to visit the counseling center when feeling any kinds of anxiety during test taking season. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says regarding counseling centers:

"Schools are aware of the toll exams can take on students. They have offices or programs specifically dedicated to helping you and providing additional educational support so that you can be successful." - Anxiety and Depression Association of America

5. Call a Friend

Friends can be great supports during exams. Although your mind may be telling you to constantly be studying, sometimes its just healthy to take a break. Call a friend and hang out with them in person. The chances of them needing a break during finals season are very high.

6. Get a tutor

Tutors can be really helpful and can take that load off your shoulders when it comes time to cram for those exams. Departments sometimes have individual tutors who can help you with this. Tutors can help you develop better studying habits ,and can help you memorize long bits of information.

7. Try a calming activity

Things like smelling candles, taking a bubble bath, catching up on Netflix, reading a book, or even playing a video game can be very relaxing. The more relaxed you are, the easier it becomes to battle stress and anxiety. Adult coloring books are now available in stores and they have been proven to help with anxiety and other disorders. Here is a story from CNN that explains the practicality of coloring books for adults. http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/06/health/adult-colorin...

8. Reward yourself

After a hard day of studying make sure to give yourself a small reward. Go to the nearest coffee shop and buy some coffee. Maybe even reward yourself with a nice dinner or desert. Usually after i've spent the whole day studying, I reward myself with ice cream or some kind of a fun treat.

9. Have an emergency kit

One technique DBT therapists use with patients to treat anxiety disorders are to have an emergency kit ready. I know lots of people who have one and it's just a really easy project to do that can save you some time. Take an old box and stuff what I like to call "Little distractions" inside of it. You can pack some old family photos (or a family album) , Scrap booking activities (if your crafty), Sheet music (for the music lovers), play-dough, stress balls, lip balm, maybe an old book, or a comfort thing like a bag of tea. I promise you the next time your feeling anxious, if you grab that box you will feel a lot better. Here are some links about emergency kits or boxes:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85779567872896752/

http://healthofmind.tumblr.com/post/22571448384/se...

https://borderlinebabble.com/2015/09/29/dbt-skills...

10. Meditation

I did mention counting backwards while walking as a technique and this one is similar. Deep breathing and meditation has been proven to help those with anxiety and stress. Meditation has been used by monks for centuries in order to help them feel and remain calm. Here is a video that guides you through meditation.