Tips On How to De-Stress before Finals
By Samantha Romero ‘16
It’s that time of the semester again where after a sweet long break the end of the semester workload and finals pressure approaches. Here are some tips on how to turn that stress into success!
Give Yourself ‘Me’ Time and Try a Facemask
Face masks are great for improving your skin but they are also a form of relaxation. For example, many face masks are infused with essential oils like mint and rosemary that leave you feeling refreshed. So put your phone and laptop away and give your skin and mind a moment to relax from the stress of day to day activities.
One of my favorite places to pick up a face mask is LUSH. These handmade products are freshly made using natural ingredients like almond shells and soothing lavender oil. However, if I’m short on time then I like to pick up a face mask from Target.
Fight Stress and Find Serenity
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines meditation, relaxation, physical poses and control breathing all in one. According to the Mayo Clinic, it does the body good by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and lowering your heart rate.
Before a big test, a yoga class is a must for me. It allows me to relax and ease my mind from the pressure of exams. I’ve also found that it helps me focus on the day of the test. So grab your mat and take a class at a local yoga studio. Two of my favorite yoga studios near USC include Radha Yoga and The Bridge Mind Body Movement.
Read my review on these studios here.
Plus just a friendly tip, your first class at The Bridge is free! It’s also located next to Daily Dose Cafe in case you’re in need of green juice to power you through your day.
Listen to Your Favorite Playlist
There’s nothing that puts me in an instantly great mood like listening to my favorite jams on the radio. So if thinking about finals has you all worked up make a playlist of your favorite jams. One of my favorite apps to create a music playlist is Spotify. I can also save the offline version in case I want to listen to my playlist while taking a jog.
However, if I’m on the go then I simply search a pre-made playlist on Spotify or select a radio based on my preferences on Pandora. Whichever you choose as long as you get movin n’ groovin you’ll give your mind a break from stressful thoughts.
Tea Time
Did you know herbal teas can help you keep your calm and relax? So rather than loading up on coffee and sugary sodas try an herbal tea to keep your mind at ease. I did a little research on the The Daily Tea Site and found recommendations for the best relaxing teas. Some options include: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Catnip, Linden and American Passion flower to name a few. For the full list of tea options click on the Daily Tea Site here.
If you’re looking for a quick tea fix then I recommend stopping at your local market and checking your options. Chamomile is a popular tea so it’s likely that it will be available.
Relax with a Massage
According to the
, studies on the benefits of massage have shown that massage is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. So there you go there is a perfectly supported excuse to ask for the day off and pay a visit to your a nearby massage parlor and release that built up tension.
Just a friendly reminder to know which massage to choose from since there different massages based on different needs.
Here’s a quick guide from the Mayo Clinic on the types of massage available:
Swedish Massage- a gentle type of massage that focuses relaxing and energizing you with the use of long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping.
Deep Massage-a slower form of massage that focuses on muscle damage from injuries with the use of more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
Trigger Point Massage- a massage that focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.
Surround Yourself with Nature
Whether you prefer a stroll on the beach or a hike at a local trail, surround yourself with nature. According to the Huffington Post, being near the ocean can make you calmer and more creative. How is this possible? Water can induce a meditative state allowing your brain to rest. Hiking is also a stress reliever because it is an aerobic exercise that promotes relaxation.
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