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With finals weeks approaching, I know how tense it’s getting. There’s absolutely nowhere to sit in the library, everyone is cranky and the Starbucks lines are CRAZY. In the midst of this ideology that our world is ending, I’ve gathered up a few tips and techniques that just might help you get through this week.
1.)Control Your Environment
While the need to study is major, make sure you find an environment that’s right for you. If your friends want you to go to the library with them and you know how loud and packed it is, don’t be afraid to decline the offer. Your friends will understand. If you like quiet places, try going to the roof of the building or a place in your residence hall that no one really goes to like the kitchen or laundry room. If you prefer some background noise, but not too much, try sitting in the lobby of your residence hall or just stay in your room with the TV volume up. No matter how you prefer to study, make sure you do it that way. Finals are coming fast, be wise about where to go!
2.)Rest Your Mind and Body
Taking care of yourself should always be a top priority. For a nice break from thinking, try doing some small activities. You could grab a pack of Crayola’s and you favorite Disney coloring book, read a bit of a fiction novel that’s been eyeing you on the shelf, or spend some time outside on a lawn chair and paint your toes. Don’t be too vigorous with activities. I know personally, watching TV can stress me out worse sometimes, especially when I’m watching game shows. As for a body rest, I think pampering yourself for a couple hours will do the trick. My favorite place to get supplies for this is Lush, and they offer a ton of samples too if you don’t want to splurge. Try a fresh face mask, and while that dries take some lotion (I recommend lavender scented) and massage your feet, calves, arms, or neck. I guarantee your body will love you for it!
3.)Try New Foods
While Mad Mushroom cheese sticks and a cold Ale8 are always food goals, they can start to weigh down on you with all the grease and caffeine. Try something new and get your mind off those exams! I’m not saying order a salad with light ranch dressing. I’m saying walk downtown and explore the area, try the little restaurant on the corner with the yellow painted doors and blue table-clothed tables. Order the main dish, or something with lots of colors and balance with a glass of ice water or lemonade. I guarantee you’ll feel a sense of cultural pride and feel over all refreshed.
4.)Find a Furry Friend
For a lot of people I personally know, nothing says happiness quite like a ball of fluff licking your face. Sometimes when you’re stressed, being around people is hard. When you’re with a pet though, they don’t judge you at all. In fact, all they care about is love for you. I think merely relaxing in pet petting their heads, or taking them for a stroll in the park to throw around some tennis balls would be great ways to clear your mind and shift your focus onto the sweet face in front of you. Now of course dogs and cats of course aren’t for everyone, especially if your allergic. However, watching videos online of them could always bring a smile and maybe even a few laughs. I suggest “Cats and Cucumbers.” Either way, spending time with a pet not only can bring you joy, but them joy as well. Win, win!
5.)Seek Guidance
Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, I find it extremely admirable to if you know you need it and don’t let pride get in the way of that. Stress is something that will always bounce back, and for some it’s worse than others. Talk to a friend or a spouse about decisions, but don’t let them decide your path. Rather, take guidance from them. If you feel like you want to talk to a stranger, try talking to a campus counselor, advisor, or even a therapist. It will be completely confidential and they’ll do their best to assist you in any way possible. Sometimes talking about our problems is so hard, but once you get it off your chest, I guarantee you’ll start to see a solution and feel relief.
As I mentioned before, stress is something that just keeps coming back to you throughout life like those photos of you from 7th grade. Know that everyone on campus is right there with you, and you’re all getting through it together. I hope these tips have helped you and can be of use for you in the coming week when dealing with stress. Best of luck!