While the end of the semester brings cozy sweaters, lots of good food, holiday music, and, best of all, winter break, the weeks leading up to break can mean crazy amounts of stress. It may seem like the studying, papers, and finals will never end, and anxiety about grades may seem overwhelming, but we have faith in you! To help you handle this seemingly never-ending week, I’ve put together a list of the best ways to defeat finals stress and keep you sane and at your best, so you can ace those exams and enjoy your winter break to the fullest.
1. Spend an hour at the gym
2. Take a bath or hot shower
3. Have a big cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
4. Watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix
5. Visit Pitt’s Stress Free Zone
6. Get a massage
7. Watch YouTube videos of cats and dogs being cute
8. Meditate
9. Go to a yoga class
10. Call or Skype a family member or friend from home
11. Make yourself a healthy meal or snack
12. Take a nap!!!!!
13. Give yourself a mini spa night, with face masks and a mani-pedi
14. Light candles in your dorm or apartment
15. Go out to brunch, lunch, or dinner with a group of friends
16. Spend some time outside and enjoy the fresh air
17. Listen to a playlist of your favorite feel-good songs while you study
18. Google search pictures of puppies and enjoy the never-ending cuteness!
19. Watch a funny TV show or movie
20. Eat some chocolate
21. Stretch for a few minutes to relieve backaches from hunching over your books
22. Do something nice for a friend, relative, or stranger and enjoy seeing them smile because of you
23. Bake and eat your favorite Christmas or holiday cookies or foods
24. Clean your room and de-clutter (having a clean study space or living area will de-clutter your mind too!)
25. Write and send a letter to someone you love