Top 5 Exam Stress-Busters

Exams.  Just looking at the word can stress some people out, so we wanted to share our strategies for beating exam stress, which will allow you to stay focused while studying. We also have a few tips for longer breaks to regroup? as you study for exams. Exam stress busters are the key to staying calm, cool and collected... and keeping your focus on the goal: the best grade you can make. Good luck! (Click this link for homework help to help beat some stress!)

1. Tumble! or Pin! We love Tumblr and it's a great site for looking at gorgeous photos of just about anything! It is free to join, and you can post your account and share your pictures. Tumblr has many different niches, so you can find people who share the same interests as your own. All you have to do is come up with a cute screen name and join! We warn you that you might want to set a time limit when you go on Tumblr, because it is very easy to lose track of time. Our guideline is usually an hour of studying, and then we reward ourselves with 5-10 minutes of tumblr-ing or Pinning, which everyone knows how to do!

2. Listen to music. Just pop in your earplugs, close your eyes, and BAM! you're calm. Our friend Natalie suggests these soothing songs to relax:

• One Day by Matisyahu
• The Little Things by Carlos Bertonatti
• Slice by Five for Fighting
• Chariot by Gavin DeGraw
• Breakdown by Jack Johnson
• If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson
• Electric Feel by MGMT
• The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
• Love by Matt White
• Somersault by Zero 7

3. Watch a movie or favorite tv show. Comedies are a great way to get your mind off of anything that has you stressed and laughter is good for you! Make a movie a reward after a long day of studying when you have accomplished your goals. Also, a tv show or movie will provide a self-timer -- when it's over you know it's time to get back to work!

4. Exercise. Whether the snow is falling, or the sun is shining -- get outside! We think exercising and getting outdoors are super important when you will be studying a long time.  Walking, jogging, rollerblading, riding a bike, etc... provide a cure to restlessness. If you aren't able to take your mind off your exams even while exercising, bring a camera on a walk to help you focus on your surroundings and silence your mind a bit. And, we know it sounds cheesy, but the Vitamin D you get from sunshine actually makes you feel more energetic.

5. Find your inner calm. We recommend yoga because you can find so many different types of classes. You may enjoy a hard workout, stretching, or meditation and yoga has them all. We especially love that it helps focus.  Just try and hold a pose if you don't concentrate! Yoga is a great break and and fantastic way to help you regroup for a productive study session. Have a happy stress-free pre-holiday season & let us know what stress-buster you worked the best for you, or your favorite idea!