As the semester comes to a close, you can almost envision that light at the end of the tunnel commonly known as "Winter Break." But before you pack up your skis and head out on vacation, you must overcome the ultimate challenge: finals.
This time in the semester is stressful for everyone, whether your finals take the form of papers or exams. But what is it about finals that causes you to anticipate the worst-case scenarios? What if your computer dies and you forget to save your work? What if you don't know any of the answers to the questions on the exam? Or what if you oversleep and show up to the test one hour too late, still wearing your pajamas?
Wish you could snap your fingers and make all your worries just disappear? Not so fast.
The truth is that a certain amount of stress is actually good for you. Stress produces the fight-or-flight response, which can work to your benefit if the anxiety helps to get you moving and working in a more productive manner. On the flip side, too much stress can be debilitating and ultimately hinder your productivity.
The key is to make stress work for you rather than against you. Allowing yourself to take mini breaks is the best way to achieve this balance. When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, it is important to step back from the situation and allow yourself to focus on something un-related to school for a short period of time.
The following de-stress techniques will help give your mind a short break. When you return to your work, you will feel rested and relaxed and you will be able to focus on the material you are studying. Just take it one subject at a time and before you know it, finals will be over and your only stress will be deciding how to spend your Winter Break.
7 Ways to De-Stress
1. Exercise. You might want to try yoga, which incorporates many relaxation techniques into one class - or perhaps walking or jogging is more your style. Do anything that gets your blood flowing.
2. Meditate or practice deep breathing.
3. Take an hour break to go check out an event around town. (See the Balance calendar.)
4. Instead of ordering pizza delivery, take a study break and cook yourself dinner.
5. Call an old friend.
6. Watch a performance at the Somerville Theater.
7. Listen to music. Jazz and classical are especially soothing.
