Finals Week Stress Busters - Top 10 Stress Relieving Study Breaks

10. Declutter! You’ll feel so much better when all of your notes and study sheets are organized.

9. Listen to music – Close your eyes for a few minutes and listen to a couple of your favorite tunes.

8. Lay off the sugar – substitute water for soda -- and fruits, veggies, and salty snacks instead of sugary ones.

7. Stretch! Stand up and take a few minutes to shake out the cobwebs, and then try these stretches either standing or seated:

Finger Fan

Extend your arms straight out in front of you with palms up. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible and hold for 5 seconds.

Upper-back Stretch

Sit up straight with your fingers inter-laced behind your head. Keep your shoulders down, lift your chest and bring your elbows back as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds.

Ear to Shoulder

Lower your right ear to your right shoulder and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on other side.

Overhead Reach

Raise your arms over your head and interlace your fingers with your palms facing up. Keep your shoulders down and stretch upwards. Hold for 20 seconds.

Knee Pull

While seated, pull one knee up to your chest as high as possible. Hold with both hands for 10 seconds then repeat the other knee.

Waist Bend

Reach arms overhead with finger interlaced. Keep shoulders down and bend to one side at the waist. Hold for 20 seconds then repeat on the other side.

6. Comfort food! Enjoy pancakes in the cafeteria on Tuesday, December 12^th at 8:30 p.m.

5. Relax and take a break with a movie in the Social Room each night at 9:00, sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Activities Team

• Monday: Charlie Brown Christmas

• Tuesday: The Grinch

• Wednesday: SGA Game-a-palooza w/DDR

• Thursday: The Elf

• Friday: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

4. Take a walk around campus with a friend.. A half-hour in the fresh air will give you a boost for the next study session.

3. Kick things off with “Stress-Free Night” in the Social Room on Sunday, December 10^th. (Tell us how much you loved the massage.)

2. Yoga or other exercise. There’s no better way to clear your head and get that “ah-ha!” solution you were looking for.

1. Take a Power Nap! – Studies show that a 20 minute nap in the afternoon will help.