Cortisol levels are high at the end of the semester. Last week I was totally fine, but all of a sudden I feel anxious, and my chest tightens at the thought of all the things to check off my to-do list before the semester is over.
Summer is within reach, but still just a little bit too far to grasp. I have projects, presentations, papers, and exams, you name it.
Now more than ever, I need to destress so that I can push through the last few weeks of the year without going insane. Here are some ways to destress during finals!
Listen to calming music/Podcasts
In order to keep my peace during this stressful time, I’ll be listening to soft, soothing music in the background while doing my work. If you’re religious, you can listen to worship music, which tends to calm my nerves when I’m in my head too much. Podcasts are also helpful because they can coach us through our stress and anxiety, helping us get out of our own heads.
Meditation/Yoga
Meditation and yoga are both great ways to decompress. Whenever I go to the Yoga Club events here at St. Bonaventure University, I always feel refreshed. Movement in general has always been my go-to coping method whenever I’m mentally struggling. Meditation is also a great way to get mental clarity, but if you’re anything like me, then it can be hard to sit still sometimes.
Spend time out in nature
There’s something about nature that just suspends time, stopping me in my tracks. It helps me disconnect and leave my worries behind, just focusing on my beautiful surroundings. In the midst of finals, nature can be a great setting to study in. Not only that, but the sun is a natural remedy, and its healing power works on me every time.
Write it down/journal
The only way for me to make sense of my priorities and feelings is by writing them down, whether that’s a checklist or journaling about my stress. It’s very helpful for me to visually see what it is I have to do and cross each task off as I get it done. It makes me feel more productive and accomplished.
small attainable goals
This is the biggest thing for me. I tend to think of everything I have to do and let it overwhelm me instead of breaking things down into small, attainable goals, day by day. My nana recently reminded me of this when I was complaining to her about all of my stress. I was looking ahead at next week’s issues rather than worrying about overcoming tomorrow first. Small attainable goals are crucial during a time like finals, because there are so many assignments, and if you focus on everything at once, you won’t have the motivation to do anything.
These are some of the tips that I’ll be using so I can keep my stress levels at a minimum over the next two weeks of school. If you try them, then I hope that they help you as much as they help me!