No, this is not an article about a great stretch to perform on the week of finals...I just enjoyed this pun. However, stretching may be a great stress-reducing activity during this time, so why not try it! Here is a list of things to do to ward off any potential stress as we finish out the school year.

1. Pray

I find that keeping up prayer life during finals week helps give us a better perspective on finals as a whole. In the grand scheme of things, their just little tests that will be over with sure enough. God has your back through whatever happens.

2. Listen to Music

For some people, music can help them focus. For others, it is a good outlet to just release emotion and find comfort. Either way, music can help you through, whether you need a break from studies or if it helps you do it.

3. Group Study

Sometimes studying is easier when you do it in a group, as long as you stay on track :) This way, you can still hang out with friends and do what you need to do to prepare for finals.

4. Divide and Conquer

Sometimes it seems like there is way too much information on that study sheet! This is when working in groups can be helpful to divide the work amongst each other and then sharing with each other at the end. If you explain it to each other, it will help you remember the information even more.

5. Sleep

Sleep is often the things to go at the end of the semester, but we really need it to remember what we are trying to study and to be functional. Try to set a bedtime and stick to it!

6. Go on Walks

Spending time in the fresh air and the sunshine is good for many reasons. Not only does it give you some fresh air and vitamin D, but it always helps you step away for a moment and enjoy the world around you, uplifting you through its beauty.

7. Chew Gum

Chewing gum can help you concentrate on your work. It also tastes good.

8. Dark Chocolate and Walnuts

There are actually many foods that can help reduce stress, and dark chocolate and walnuts are just two of them. Other foods include, but are not limited to, cashews, seeds, avocados, pistachios, leafy greens, and chamomile.

9. Relax

You may actually do better on your exam if you spend the night before relaxing and doing something you enjoy. This, of course, means you will have to plan ahead to make sure you get your studying done a couple hours before you go to bed. Going to bed relaxed will help you get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed and at ease.