Destressing during finals season is crucial for maintaining both your mental health and academic performance. Between back-to-back exams, project deadlines, and long study sessions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed on campus. Learning how to decompress is not just about taking a break—it’s also about using your time and energy strategically to recharge your mind and body.
By incorporating effective stress-relief techniques, you can improve focus, retain information, and approach each exam with a clearer mindset. This guide highlights practical, actionable ways to reduce stress, stay balanced, and finish the semester strong.
- Take short study breaks
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Taking short, regular breaks during study sessions is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress and improve productivity. According to Cornell Health, even a few minutes away from your work can help your brain relax, recharge, and retain information more effectively. During these breaks, you can stretch, take a quick walk around campus, listen to calming music, or do a brief activity that makes you feel at ease. Avoid using breaks for tasks that keep your mind fully engaged, such as scrolling social media endlessly or checking your email.
Tessa Pesicka / Her Campus By intentionally stepping away from studying, you prevent burnout, maintain higher energy levels, and return to your work with renewed focus and motivation. Incorporating these short pauses into your routine can make long study sessions more manageable and improve overall performance during finals.
- Use Helpful Study Resources
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At the University of Central Florida’s Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), students have access to free peer tutoring for over 30 courses, Supplemental Instruction (SI) for challenging classes, and one-on-one academic coaching to help build skills in time management, note-taking, and test preparation.
SARC also offers a program called Study Union, which provides final exam review sessions—either in person or online—led by peer tutors or SI leaders. Study Union runs before and during finals week in both the fall and spring semesters.
Additionally, SARC hosts workshops and offers online resources to help students strengthen study habits, manage stress, and improve learning strategies for finals and beyond.
- Try Meditation or Deep Breathing
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Meditation and deep breathing help your mind slow down when finals feel stressful. The BBC explains that meditation can improve concentration, memory, and comprehension during exam season. Focusing on your breath lowers anxiety and helps your brain stay clear. These practices reset your mind, allowing you to return to studying with better focus and less tension.
This is my favorite way to decompress because it works quickly and fits into any schedule. A few minutes of slow breathing before studying or taking an exam can help you feel calmer and more prepared. It keeps you steady during long study sessions and helps you handle tough questions without panicking. When you add meditation or breathing exercises to your routine, you create an overall peaceful study environment and improve your performance.
- Create a relaxing and organized study space
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A calm and organized study space helps your mind stay focused during finals. A quiet area without distractions improves learning and makes it easier to stay on task. According to Framery, quiet spaces support concentration and reduce interruptions that break your flow. Keeping your desk clean, notes organized, and lighting comfortable creates an inviting space, rather than stressful. This helps your brain shift into study mode faster and stay there, which matters when deadlines start piling up.
Having a dedicated place for studying also saves time and lowers anxiety. Studyville explains that keeping your supplies in one place helps you avoid searching for textbooks, pens, or chargers. This small step protects your focus and makes studying feel easier. You can also personalize your space with affirmations or positive reminders to boost confidence before exams. These details help create a space that supports your goals and strengthens your study habits.
- Engage in a Hobby or Creative Activity
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Engaging in a hobby or creative activity gives you a break from academic pressure and helps you recharge. Activities like drawing, music, journaling, photography, or spending time outdoors allow your brain to shift away from stress and improve your mood. Taking time for something you enjoy helps you return to studying with renewed energy, reduces anxiety, and supports better focus during long study sessions.
- Listen to Relaxing Music or Podcasts
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Listening to relaxing music or podcasts while studying can improve focus, reduce stress, and block out distractions. Certain types of music, like instrumental or lo-fi beats, help keep your mind alert without overwhelming it.
Podcasts work similarly when they are familiar or enjoyable, providing a calm background that keeps your energy steady. My go-to is The Mel Robbins Podcast, which I listen to while organizing notes or doing light reading. Using music or podcasts this way makes long study sessions feel less draining and helps maintain concentration.
Managing stress during finals helps students stay focused, energized, and resilient throughout some of the busiest weeks on campus. Taking intentional steps to care for your mind and body can improve not only your academic performance but also your overall well-being. By making stress management a priority, you can approach exams with confidence, retain information more effectively, and maintain a healthier balance between academic responsibilities and personal life. Developing these habits now can create a foundation for long-term resilience and success throughout your college journey.