I am no expert on stress relief, but during the weeks of finals, I found these activities to help me calm down after I take my finals.
1. Painting Records
Painting is a great way to express your feeling and a perfect way to keep you busy while you wait for your grades to come out. You can buy old records from goodwill and paint from a nearby store, which would only cost you about $10.
2. Yoga or working out
Exercising is a perfect way to get your nerves out, and it is also healthy for you. Markin Family Student Recreation Center, there is a gym that is open until 10 p.m., which Bradley Students have free access to. There are also fitness classes in there taken place throughout the day to help you if you don’t know where to start.
3. Listening to music
I found that listening to a smaller artist on TikTok first helps, then you get to experience a new artist and support them. You could also listen to an artist you already love and sing to their music.
4. Watching a movie or reading a book
Cullom- Davis Library has a great selection of books that you can borrow over break. It’s near impossible to smile when you are watching a holiday movie, and they are a great way to distract your mind from what to look forward to after the week of finals.
5. Going on a drive
Making some hot chocolate and getting your friends together to go on a drive to go look at the holiday lights around the city is a fun way to enjoy the season and get cute pictures.
6. Meditating and Journaling
Meditating and journaling are perfect for calming that voice in your head. There are free guided meditations on YouTube, and free promotes for journaling if you don’t want to write about your feelings.
7. Cooking and Baking
I found that cooking and baking reduce stress because you have a recipe that you follow step by step, and it ends with a sense of accomplishment when you are done.
8. Knitting and crocheting
They both cause you to do a motion that you will have to repeat, which will help calm the nerves. Plus, you can get a cute hat, blanket, shirt, or whatever you choose to make.
9. Puzzling and board game
I have found that puzzling and board games are distracting and can challenge you, which results in a sense of accomplishment when its over.
10. Learning a new hobby
Learning something new can help distract you from your grades and stress over them. There is always something new to do on campus, and hobbies are a great way to make more friends.