Sometimes, the only certainty that finals week seems to bring is that it will be stressful.Â
All the pressure of performing well on exams, cramming for tests, and sending in assignments on time can lead to a whirlwind of sleepless nights, anxiety, and self-imposed tension. Though finals week is a stressful time for most, it doesn’t always have to be this way. By sprinkling in some stress-relieving activities into your routine, you can easily decompress and ease your mind, which will help the end of the semester go by seamlessly.
In finals or any other exam season, stimulating activities like reading, exercising, and doodling are scientifically proven methods to help you cope with stress. By doing a stress-free activity for as little as 15 minutes a day, you can release tension by taking your mind off of academic obligations. Sounds amazing, right?
Check out these 10 free stress-relieving activities you can do during finals weeks that can help make this point in the semester go by as smoothly as possible.Â
- Do an online yoga class
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Both YouTube and TikTok — as well as other apps — offer free online yoga sessions that can help give you a quick break from finals to get some exercise in. This form of activity can be especially beneficial during this chaotic week since yoga and other slow movements help with breathing and stress. The best part about this activity is that you can do it in the comfort of your dorm room. Talk about convenience!
- Meditate
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Meditating is most people’s go-to when it comes to de-stressing. It is, after all, a  scientifically proven way to focus on mindfulness and increase mental clarity, all while reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing your mood, and helping with sleep patterns.
Another plus? It’s also free and can be done anywhere. If you’re not well versed in the practice, there are plenty of audio and video options online that can help you.
- Journal
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Dump out your feelings, do bullet point lists, or go crazy with collages in junk journal: Journaling can be a great method to express (and regulate) your feelings through art or words.
Just by writing something down or doodling , you can create a much-needed sense of control and relax your mind, which is definitely a must during finals week.
- Create a playlist
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Listening to music is a great way to unwind. So what better way to give your mind a break during finals week than to create a curated playlist with all your favorite songs? Whether you’re looking for a chill soundtrack or some female rage to power you through exams, picking out songs to add to a playlist can be a nice way to focus on something other than academics.Â
And, of course, a common and known side effect of music is de-stressing. Both listening to songs and playing instruments have been scientifically proven to improve mental wellness, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. - Draw Or color
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Doodling, drawing, or coloring is a way to let your creativity flow. Since it’s a very spontaneous activity, just concentrate on going with the flow without worrying too much if it’s any good. You’ll see how it can be a great distraction and have a calming effect on the brain.Â
- Cook your favorite comfort food
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The process of measuring ingredients, engaging our senses, and focusing on following instructions are some of the reasons why cooking is found to be a great de-stressing activity. Also, its byproduct can be pretty interesting by itself — after a somewhat intense labor activity, you can savor and delight in some treats made from scratch. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
- Go on a nature walk
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You know that kind of chronically online saying, “You need to touch some grass?” It turns out there is some truth to that.Â
Disconnecting from your daily surroundings and routine — as well as from your phone and other devices — to go on a nature walk is scientifically proven to improve your mood. A paper published at the National Library of Medicine points out that exercising in nature, interacting with it through gardening, and watching wildlife are a few examples of activities that can help minimize mental fatigue and reduce anger and anxiety.
- Read that novel
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I’m sure there’s at least one book sitting on your nightstand, bookshelf, or work table that has just been waiting to be read. Instead of letting the book collect dust, give it a read during finals if you’re looking for a healthy, entertaining distraction from all of your academic obligations.Â
Picking up a book is a great way to reduce stress by up to 68% and not to mention, a great coping mechanism for the week!Â
If you’re not much of a book person, there are plenty of audiobooks available online that can also help college slip your mind. - Take a walk around campus
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Put some earphones in, throw on some walking shoes, and take a calm walk around your block or campus. By changing up the scenery, taking deep breaths, and focusing on your movements, walking can articulate major benefits for mental health and health overall. It’s also a great distraction away from the stress of finals.
- Do a self-care routine
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In a week as stressful as finals, sometimes we need to invest heavily in pampering and taking care of ourselves. An idea for this is to transform your daily self-care routine into a full-blown relaxing ritual as a way to de-stress.Â
Just by adding in some relaxing music, using those products that you have been saving for special occasions, and lighting some candles to make the room cozier, you can create a special, mindful moment in your day. Also, make sure to take as much time as you need!
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to de-stress during finals week that are easy and free to do. Finals week is the perfect time to relieve some unwanted stress and do whatever you can to make sure your mind stays sharp as the semester wraps. Good luck with finals everyone!