By Christian Cosentino-Ferreira
The last exam paper is handed in, and suddenly the pressure that’s been building in your chest for weeks has nowhere to go. So, how are you going to channel it?
After spending untold hours focused on deadlines, studying and your GPA, it can feel surprisingly difficult to relax. That’s why learning how to unwind matters. Whether it’s reconnecting with friends, getting active or simply leaning into a hobby that gives your mind a break, finding the right ways to de-stress is an important step in resetting both mentally and physically.
So what does that reset actually look like? We surveyed Sheridan Sun readers to find out their secrets. Here’s what they told us.
Physical Fitness / Working Out
Out of the more than 60 responses we got, the most popular activity was working out. Fitness is a great way to relieve built up tension. And why not? Long study sessions create tight muscles and mental fatigue. Physical activity provides a fantastic physical outlet for students to release the built up stress in a healthy way.
In fact, it’s scientifically proven through the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain, that boost mood and reduce those feelings of stress or anxiety.
Music / Long drives
A great playlist full of either soothing tracks or hard driving beats is another popular way Sheridan students de-stress. Many favour jams during long car rides typically at the end of their day. The road and the tunes combine to provide a sense of freedom after being stuck in constant routines of studying for tests. Combining that with the therapeutic sounds of music that often resonate and is personal with the listener, and you’ve got the perfect mental reset to help shift attention away from future or past exams providing a break that not only feels productive but refreshing for the mind.
Distractions
Another popular activity simple diverstions: walks, going to a ballgame or a movie, binging a Netflix series. Board games, puzzles even knitting also help people unwind. Having a simple hobby that you enjoy and can zone out with, can be the perfect option when you want to leave your troubles behind.
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