Finals week is slowly creeping up on all of us and I have never seen students more stressed. My one friend came up with a simile to describe his feelings about this dreadful week: Finals week makes me feel like I’ve been lost in the grocery store and couldn’t find my mom for the past four years. I think this is a pretty accurate description of how most of us are feeling.

I personally still feel as if this semester is stuck in September and have not felt motivated since then. Maybe it's senioritis or maybe I have just given up. It has all gone so fast, but it’s crazy that we are actually at the end. This week will inevitably be hell for all of us, so I want to shed some light on something amazing I discovered this week.

I am on the executive board for the student organization Active Minds. During stress less week we had a vendor table in the student union just to give out free items to help students “stress less” during the approaching week. We gave students coloring pages, candy, pencils, and motivational quotes. One of the pages really stood out to me. On it read, “23 Reasons to Laugh.” I want to share these amazing reasons to laugh, especially during this extremely stressful time.

1. It relaxes the whole body.

And releases tension from your muscles.

2. It boosts the immune system.

Which is great because no one wants to get sick during finals week (unfortunately my roommate caught a viral cold).

3. It triggers the release of endorphins.

Which are basically like a drug that can give you a happiness high.

4. It protects the heart.

And makes our heart healthier.

5. It lowers stress hormones.

Which will be 100% necessary during finals week.

6. It relaxes your muscles.

So you don’t even need a massage.

7. It enhances resilience.

Which will help if we get poor grades and need to recover.

8. It adds joy to life.

Who doesn't want that?

9. It improves your mood.

And brings you happiness just through smiling.

10. It strengthens relationships.

While creating stronger bonds with others.

11. It enhances teamwork.

Which is beneficial for any group projects/papers you might have.

12. It helps defuse conflict.

Most of us are basically miserable during finals, so laughter can help with any conflicts you may have because of your or another’s bad mood.

13. It eases anxiety and fear.

So laugh before your exam to feel more confident about your answers and have less fear about picking the wrong one.

14. It lowers blood pressure.

And can level our heart rate.

15. It increases memory.

Which we’re going to need to be good in order to memorize all that useless information and formulas.

16. It helps oxygen flow to the brain.

Also, to the lungs and muscles.

17. It maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

Which is helpful for those who suffer from diabetes.

18. It promotes better sleep.

Even though we may not be getting a lot this week.

19. It is contagious.

Why not spread some positivity to your friends too?

20. It improves alertness.

And can essentially help you to focus more.

21. It makes you more creative.

Creativity is key no matter what your assignment is. You need it when writing papers, working on projects, and even when figuring out ways to study.

22. It is a workout for your abs, shoulders, and diaphragm.

Fun fact: Laughter can burn up to 10-40 calories in fifteen minutes.

23. It gives you more energy.

Something we are all going to need to stay awake until 2 am studying.

There are so many more benefits of laughing in just general that can get you or anyone else through any obstacles. It’s going to be a stressful week, but just a little bit of laughter can brighten your day and enhance your mood. So do yourself a favor and take the time to laugh a little this week.