Walking down the hall you look down at your phone, how is it already Dec. 3? You want to be excited that there are only two weeks left until winter break, but the thought of final exams constantly occupies your mind. You’re often feeling overwhelmed and stressed about the upcoming exams and can’t seem to handle the pressure. How can the stress that awaits me be remedied? What will help? Although stress can’t always be eliminated, there are ways to reduce the stress leading up to finals week by adding certain things to your daily routine. 

Exercise

Although thinking of exercise doesn’t immediately remind most people of relaxation, exercising is like the body’s natural medication. “Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol,” Harvard Health Publishing stated. “It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.” So, when panic sets in from anticipation of finals week, start moving. Do something that can take your mind off of things briefly and benefit your body, like exercise. The benefits of just taking a walk or running can go a long way beyond just the physical. 

Meditation

After studying or looking at the computer for hours, getting your thoughts and mindset in order is extremely necessary to remain stress free. Not only can meditation ease the mind creating a deep sense of mental relaxation, but it can also result in amplified physical and mental well-being. This results in less stress during tense times like final exams.  

Nutritious intake

You’ve heard it for years that you need to start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Little did you know that eating nutritious foods for each meal can result in boosts of serotoni

n, a chemical that calms the brain. So not only can healthy eating impact the way you feel physically, but also mentally. This overall can help improve mental health when handling stress with tests and exams. 

Time management

Managing your time effectively can decrease the amount of time wasted on nonessential tasks or downtime. Saving time and knowing what needs to be done will put your mind at ea

se, reducing unnecessary stress. Organizing your time and minimizing distractions will also allow your work and tasks to get done more efficiently.

Healthy sleeping habits

Sleep is your body’s way of refreshing itself, while also recharging physically and mentally. Having

 a regular sleep routine can be beneficial in multiple aspects. Quality sleeping habits can regulate mood, decision making and overall judgement. This means that you are better equipped to take on problems, homework and exams when well rested.

Quiet time

Normally when you think of quiet time it means peace and relaxation, but there is more science behind it than that. Our bodies use quiet and calm moments to enter into another part of the Nervous System resulting in the shut down of the physical response to stress. Essentially meaning that quiet and peaceful moments can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Take a moment to yourself and allow some quiet alone time. 

Slow down

Allow yourself to have some times where you’re not on the go constantly. The Holiday season can be busy enough without finals in the way. Spend some time doing things like self care, enjoying family and friends or even listening to music in your room. Going 100 mph doing homework, studying and memorizing a subject in two weeks is only going to add stress into your life. Work at a steady pace and allow some time to love yourself. Put your mental and physical needs before the study guides and projects.