10 Ways to Relieve Stress over Exams

Rule #1 of Finals Week: Keep school in school. You don’t need the extra stress when you’re hanging out with your friends! Your out-of-school conversations should be about weekend plans or that cutie you saw on campus, not about the essay question on your English exam

2. Grab a coffee or some lunch with an old friend

In the midst of all your classes and activities, it’s easy to lose touch with some of your older friends. It can be nice to forget about everything you’re involved with now and reminisce with someone about the “good ol’ days”, whether that be a few months ago, or even years ago! Arrange to meet at a local cafe or your favorite spot to eat on campus, and bring some of your old memories to life again.

3. Deal with stress by getting some cardio in!

As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!”

Generally speaking, a happy college student is not a stressed one. When I’m stressed out, I always like to find time to go to the gym and go on the elliptical for awhile. It helps to relieve some of my nerves, and it has the added bonus of burning those extra calories from stress-eating.

4. Try some yoga or meditation

If cardio isn’t your thing, experiment with some yoga or learn some mindfulness practices. Your school’s gym might even offer some group sessions! A good friend of mine did some last year when she was really stressed out, and she said it helped her immensely. If you’d rather practice at home, there are a ton of different resources on the internet to help you get started!

5. Listen to happy, upbeat music

I got really stressed out last semester, and one of the main things that helped me relax was listening to the “Totally Stress Free” playlist on Spotify. I couldn’t be in a bad mood when I was listening to it, even when I was solving math equations or writing a ten page essay for my English class. Whether it’s that playlist or another one, find some tunes that make you want to dance!

6. Retail therapy, anyone?

Maybe it’s the fashion blogger in me talking, but I’m a huge believer in retail therapy. An outing to Target or the mall is sometimes just what a girl needs to forget about everything else! So maybe it’s not the most cost-efficient way to relieve stress, but hey, treat yourself!

7. Have a “spa night”

Invite all your friends over to your place and put together a spa and movie night complete with face masks, mani-pedis, yummy snacks, and all your favorite flicks! Pinterest hasa tonof different DIY face masks that you can try out. It will be the perfect night off, and certainly one to remember!

8. Invest in a stress relief coloring book

I know what you’re thinking: “A coloring book? Really?”But believe me when I say, these things are seriously LIFE CHANGING. If you’re getting fed up with your school work, just set it aside and pull out this gem of an invention. These books typically have really intricate designs because they’re targeted towards adults instead of small children. It truly is therapeutic, and you can find them at any book store! Here are some of my favorites:

Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book

Flower Designs Coloring Book: An Adult Coloring Book

Secret Paris: Color Your Way to Calm

9. Call your family

Your family knows everything you’re going through, because they went through it when they were your age. Sometimes, all it takes is a half hour conversation with one of your parents to make you feel better. Plus, they love to hear your voice, so it’s a win-win for everybody!

10. Drink some tea

I will go on and on about how I need coffee to make it through the day, but when it comes to stress relief, tea is definitely the best option! I like to keep a good stock of green tea on hand for nights when I’m especially stressed. So next time you’re studying, and you need something to soothe you, put on a comfy sweatshirt and make some tea. You’ll feel better in no time!