As we reach the final stretch of the school year, final exams await for us to complete before we can relax. Many of us will likely find ourselves cramming and studying endlessly for these tests and stress levels will arise. To cope with your stress and give you an outlet to relax, here’s a list of some of our favorite ways to destress after exams
Baking
There’s nothing to lose with this one. Have fun combining ingredients, and get a little treat in the end! Regardless of your prior baking experience, at the very least you could make some muffins or cookies. Bonus relaxation points if you’re baking with friends, as it doubles as a great bonding experience. When you’re done, you could leave a treat for your teacher to increase the potential of a higher curve on your test.
Going Outside
Apply what you’re learning in your science class to the real world. Find a field or maybe a playground to frolic in and unleash your inner child. Breathe in some fresh oxygen, watch flowers undergo photosynthesis, and really take in the natural surroundings around you. Nothing like a little nature to clear the mind!
Arts and Crafts
Put yourself in your kindergarten shoes and use your imagination to create some fun crafts. The possibilities are endless: origami, drawings, painting, handmade cards, and envelopes to put them in are just a part of the variety. You could make yourself a little study buddy to aid your motivation for work. Even if you’re “not good at crafts,” it’s still worth a shot, because, who knows, maybe you’ve actually got some hidden talent!
Write About Your Stress (Politely)
Embrace your inner Shakespeare, and pen down all your pent-up feelings. You might laugh, cry, be furious or all of the above, and that’s okay. Letting out those feelings will likely help you get through your studies better. After you write it, maybe you could show it to your teacher for extra credit or you can crumple it and toss it out. Show your stress who’s the boss!
Take a Nap
We already know you don’t get enough sleep per night (we don’t either). However, taking a quick nap for half an hour or so has been proven to greatly replenish energy levels. Recharge your brain and take a quick nap to rejuvenate your studies! And even if you oversleep a little (it’s fine we all do it), it’ll just help you be better the next day!
Pick Up a New Hobby
Ever wanted to go rollerblading but have never had the chance to start? Perhaps you want to be a dancer but feel uncoordinated. You’ve probably also considered doing something more than staring at screens all day. This is your sign to start. As long as it’s accessible, there’s no reason not to start what you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll find more joy in this than studying for any exam.
Just Cry
It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s okay for you to cry and let it all out. You don’t have to be alone, there’ll always be someone who can support you and remind you of your successes. Crying releases stress hormones, meaning that it will make you feel better, and once you feel better, you’ll be ready to take on the world!
Ease the stress of your exams with these activities. It’s essential to remember to take care of yourself, especially when you’re overwhelmed, and sometimes it’s better to take your mind off of the task at hand for a little. Remember there are spaces at IHS like Student Services, or the Check-In Space (located in J-Hallway), and amazing people throughout the community there for you if you ever need support with anything. It’s okay to be stressed, and regardless of the final outcome, everything will work out. We believe in you, let’s make it through this final stretch!