Winter is quickly approaching, and for some that means snowball fights, holiday celebrations, and warm drinks. For us collegiettes, however, we must first overcome the dreadful week of finals. With only one week of classes left before finals, you may be starting to feel stressed out with your upcoming exams, term papers and final presentations. But don’t worry—we have several easy DIY ways to de-stress! For starters, take three minutes to sit in a quiet room and breathe—two breaths in and four breaths out.
Oatmeal and Yogurt Mask
Make your own facial mask with three simple ingredients. Mix 1 tablespoon of oats, 1 tablespoon of plain organic yogurt, and a few drops of honey into a paste. Spread the paste over your face and leave it on for ten minutes before rinsing it off. Afterwards you’ll feel refreshed and ready to write that policy paper!
Give Yourself a Manicure
Let’s face it, you’re likely way overdue for a good manicure! If you don’t want to spend the money to have your nails professionally done, simply take time off from studying to do them yourself! Start by shaping and buffing your nails. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your hands when you are done. Next, apply a thin base coat and wait two minutes for it to dry. Then apply your first coat of polish (check out Real Simple’s picks for new winter colors!). After waiting another two minutes apply a second coat of polish to make the color opaque. Then dip a small makeup brush into pure acetone and use the brush to clean up any smudges around your nail (this step is magic!). Lastly, once your nails have dried, apply a thin layer of topcoat polish, making sure to cover the tips of your nails too. Play around with nail art designs like the ones below to help get into the holiday spirit!
Take a Yoga Class
What is a better way to find some “me time” and de-stress than yoga?! Find a yoga class that fits into your study schedule and head down to one of AU’s fitness centers (Jacobs or Cassell) for a class. If you have a semester gym class pass then the yoga class will be free! Otherwise, it only costs $7 to drop in for an hour class. All the classes are geared to a range of abilities so whether you’re completely new to yoga or are a professional yogi, you’ll enjoy the class.
Bake Holiday Cookies
What collegiette doesn’t love to bake? Dedicate a few hours one day to a stress and study-free environment and pull out the baking sheets! Basic ingredients you will need are all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and baking soda. Check out a few of these holiday cookie recipes for step-by-step directions: gingerbread chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter chocolate cookies and snickerdoodle shortbread.
Make a Cup of Tea
If you are in need of quick fix in between study sessions, make yourself a hot cup of calming tea. Chamomile and herbal teas are the best at calming down nerves and relaxing muscles. One recommended high quality soothing tea is Tea of Life’s Ayurvedic Wellness Destress Tea. For $7.50 you get 40 tea bags.
Photo Credits:
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