Stress is a powerful thing and something that often become extremely overwhelming if you let it get out of hand. Since coming to college, I believe that I have started to master some of the best options to try if you are having an especially difficult day or couple of days. Finals week is especially stressful for most. Here are a few options to reduce stress during finals week in a quick and effective manner:
Coloring
This used to just be an activity for small children, but since 2015, coloring books have returned and become all the craze for teens and adults. A new line of adult coloring books was released and are now a popular stress-relieving product for some older individuals. I have a few of my own and I find them to be one of the most relaxing activities possible following a particularly stressful day. I don’t know if it is because of the intricate designs or just the movement of the markers that completely draws you in. When I pick up a book and begin coloring, a feeling of serenity comes over me and keeps my mind clear, even if just for a while.
Plugging in the headphones
Music has always been an influential aspect of my life, no matter the mood I am in. The sounds, the lyrics, and the meanings motivate me and transport me to a different place each and every time I listen. My favorite genres to listen to when I am feelings especially stressed or upset are alternative and instrumental. The lyrics tend to always empower me to keep going and that things will get better. The instrumental music keeps my mind calm, and is particularly useful to me when I am having a rough day, mentally. A particular artist, Andy Black, has helped me through my worst days. With his powerful lyrics explaining how you can get through even the worst days have been an empowerment to me. I hope to meet him someday to tell him in person how much he has helped me through.
Journaling
Depending on the individual, writing in a journal may not be the most useful to you. It can be difficult to explain just how tough of a day you have had to say a parent’s or friend’s face without fear of judgement or further questioning. Some people find that spilling all of their thoughts down on paper is a massive stress-reliever. I do not find this activity to be the biggest stress-buster for me personally, since I often have so much to write down I tend to leave things out. But for my roommate and best friend, it is very important. At the end of each day, she pulls out her fuzzy pink journal and writes her stress away.
Going for a walk/run
Nature is often overlooked as a reliever of stress but it can be a significant problem solver, whether you are a naturally-active person or not. Just taking that step of walking outside into the fresh air can instantly rejuvenate you. One of the great things about this activity is that you can combine it with a few of the others. If you are someone that particularly enjoys listening to music, plug in and take it with you on your run or walk. Unplugging can be just as much if not more effective while walking/running as it keeps your mind clear to soak up the many sights, smells, and sounds that the outdoors has to offer. Who knows, you may even make a new bird friend. 🙂
Unplugging
As I mentioned above, plugging into your favorite music or videos can be a great stress-reliever. But depending on the day, you may find that unplugging from social media and technology completely can be an even healthier choice. I just finished up a week-long social media cleanse because I’ve been feeling especially stressed and unsettled lately. I can honestly say it was a fantastic way for me to appreciate other activities, like spending time with friends and family or picking up a good book. While this may be an almost unthinkable task for you, take some time to think about if it is something that might be right for you and your mental health or current stressed-out mindset. If you are anything like me, you will find it extremely helpful and it might even prompt you keep yourself logged out for a little longer.
Be sure to try just one or a few of these tips these next few weeks and you might be shocked to find that they will help you in ways you didn’t even know were possible. And if they don’t seem to help, don’t give up hope. Finals week is hard but doesn’t last forever. There are hundreds of ways under the sun to relieve stress and if you take the time to search, you’ll find the perfect one for you.
By: Sophia Sikowski, Anxiety In Teens Contributor