Spring Hill College’s Wellness Center is helping students de-stress over the next two weeks with open appointments from December 2-13. These appointments will last for 30 minutes and are first come first serve. Dr. Dodie Ward gave 10 tips on how to best de-stress during finals.
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Try using the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Dr. Ward said this breathing technique can “rebalance your parasympathetic system.”
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Take breaks from studying to go outside for a 20-minute walk with a friend.
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Using aromatherapy, lavender and orange are the best for destressing and can be diffused together.
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Taking a break to watch a short comedy. The goal is to laugh because laughing is a great for anti-stress.
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If you have pets, play with them for a short break. There will be an event during finals where puppies will be available in Rydex Commons to play with them.
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Caffeine is a very large stress. Dr. Ward encourages students to lower their amount of caffeine and to get more sleep.
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Practicing mindfulness and yoga is “one of the best ways to destress.”
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Dr. Ward knows that this can be hard but avoiding procrastination is really important as procrastination causes a lot more stress in the long run.
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Singing can actually help reduce stress. While a student at Spring Hill, Dr. Ward went caroling with her friend’s door-to-door wrapped in Christmas lights and said that she had a great time and afterwards she was able to focus more.
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Take a 20-30 minute break in between studying subjects as it gives your brain a break and has enough time to readjust to the next subject.
The Wellness Center encourages students to take the opportunity of these walk-in appointments as it comes close to the end of the semester. Counseling hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except lunch). Students can make appointments the day of by calling 2513802271 or emailing [email protected].
