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When in doubt and stressed out – dealing with finals

Finals are just around the corner and we all know what that means: tucking ourselves away in a room to stare at a book for hours, letting the stress accumulate like a pile of rocks on our shoulders. Many of us cope with stress in different ways, but here are some scientifically proven methods to reduce stress and help you nail your final exams. 

  1. Dance It Out

Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures

Channel your inner Meredith Grey for as long as you need. Whether you want to dance it out with your roommates, friends or by your lonesome, blasting some tunes and getting your groove on can have some major beneficial effects on your brain.
According to an early study published by Harvard’s Department of NeuroBiology, the mind-body connection when dancing improves mood and particular cognitive skills, including visual recognition and decision-making.

  1. Take the Books Outside

Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures

Not many people truly enjoy slaving away over drafting a 15 page paper, calculating derivatives or determining which molecular structure belongs to DNA or RNA. Mix all of those tasks with a stuffy and dusty bedroom, and you have a picture perfect image of misery.
Numerous research investigations, including a late study published in the United States National Library of Medicine, conferred that when the human body absorbs doses of Vitamin D, whether by sunlight or vitamins, it radically increases natural serotonin levels.
Serotonin is commonly affiliated as the “happy chemical,” but has also been linked to improving memory, digestion, and sleep; all qualifying necessities to ace the treacherous exams ahead.

  1. Cuddle a Furry Buddy

Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures

Animals have a keen sense of knowing when their human is stressed. Why not take advantage of your animal’s intellect and have them show you some love?
Developing research from the University of Missouri-Columbia proposes that there could actually be a link to the fuzzy feelings you have for your pets and how they help us cope with particularly high stress levels.
Similar to the absorption of Vitamin D, the petting and cuddling you provide to your dog or cat also helps increase your body’s serotonin levels, resulting in a happier, more attentive you.

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  1. Take a Breather

CBS
CBS

You don’t have to conquer America’s entire 18th century history in three hours. Get moving; stretch, do some yoga, eat a salad or a cheeseburger, it’s your prerogative.
Multiple studies throughout the years have proven that students who take small breaks from working, and then later return to the task, show improvement in retention and overall clarity.
Regardless of whether you try one of them, or all of them, may the odds ever be in your favor.
Lionsgate
Lionsgate

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