Preparing for Midterms: Tips on How to De-Stress

School can get challenging with its piling assignments, tests and everything else happening in your life. With midterms right around the corner, it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Midterms are an especially difficult time because it’s an exam with everything you’ve learned since the start of the fall semester. It’s important to take care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally during a stressful period because stress can harm your body. Here are some ways to relax and de-stress for midterm season.  

Researchers have found that music has a calming effect and soothes anxiety during a stressful event. Classical music helps with memorization and studying, slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure and even decreases levels of stress hormones. Crank up your favorite tune because any music you love will release neurochemicals like dopamine that make you feel good. If you don’t have your headphones handy, even humming or making your own music relieves stress.

Spend time in nature

Being in a park or green space automatically puts your body in a state of meditation and boosts endorphins. Researchers have found that plants can calm you, induces your relaxation response and lowers blood pressure. The smell of fresh air and plants also makes us happier. Even just being outside for five minutes can have tremendous health benefits. Take a quick study break outside and read a book or simply observe nature.

Exercise

If you’re not an athlete, any form of exercise can relieve stress. From yoga to boxing, anyone can exercise and it can go a long way in relieving your stress. Exercise increases your endorphins, improves your mood and is meditation in motion. When you focus on a task, you release your physical tensions and have a boost in energy and optimism. Whether it’s going for a run, aerobics, or riding a bike, get in a little bit of exercise to release your stress.

Watch a funny video

They say laughter is the best medicine and it’s true! Laughter is proven to lower tension, improve blood flow and the health of your heart. Laughter releases endorphins, enhances your oxygen intake, stimulates your heart and other organs. Go on YouTube and watch a funny video, look up comedians, watch a Netflix comedy or talk with a goofy friend. Be sure to keep a timer on so you don’t lose track of the time. Take a five minute break between every twenty minutes of studying.