By snoadmin
The stress of finals is among us. Too much stress can strain your body and mind. But if the common stress ball or staring-at-the-ceiling break isn’t exactly doing it for you, try something different by following these tips.
Abnormal Stress Relievers
By Janine Zuniga
Listen to music in another language.
Music is often used to relieve stress or calm the mind. But do you ever find yourself singing-along then losing your concentration? Listening to a favorable genre of music in a language that is unfamiliar allows for the ambient background sound to continue. One can better focus on the task at hand rather than on the lyrics, without giving up music.
Walk backwards.
Obviously, sitting for long periods of time is bad for the body. Instead of taking the typical stroll around the house or library, try walking backwards. One will be able to stretch and shift the minds’ challenge from studying to being able to balance physically. You never know, one could even relieve the stress of someone else just watching and crack a smile.
Hug somebody.
Whether it’s happiness, sadness or finals week, giving someone a hug always makes people feel better – physically and mentally. If you need a reason, say it’s because it’s the end of the semester. Hugging complete strangers is not recommended; it may cause them stress.
Coloring books.
Take a break from the reality that you are a college student, and find your roots back in childhood. Coloring a picture may ease the stress in hands by finally doing something relaxing and easy without having to use the mind on overdrive. Do not stress over whether or not you stayed inside the lines.
Paper planes.
When taking a break, shifting the concentration usually refreshes the mind. Take a break from writing papers by folding one paper airplane. Throwing paper airplanes is only recommended if it does not distract others. Folding your 10-12 page essays is also not recommended.
Yoga and Stretches
By Ryah Cooley
Downward Dog.
Stand with your feet hips-distance apart and walk your hands all the way down to the floor. Then walk your hands forward until your whole body makes a triangle shape. Downward Dog allows your whole body to feel the stretch while some blood flows to your brain to help you refocus on studying.
Child’s Pose.
Literally curl into a ball and temporarily hide from finals with Child’s Pose. Start sitting down with your feet tucked under your leg. Fold forward and stretch your arms out on the ground in front of you and rest your forehead on the ground. Bonus points if you breathe and think happy thoughts.
Breathe.
Stop everything, find a comfortable position to sit in and simply breathe, deeply and slowly. Hold each inhale and exhale for at least three slow seconds. Repeat until you feel sane again.
Move.
Put the books down, get up and move. Hit the gym for a short cardio or strength session, or simply take a walk around the block. The physical activity will refresh you and give you more energy to focus on studies.
