With finals coming up, you might be in need of a way to destress and take a break between finals. This article contains four easy activities, in no particular order, that may be the cure to that overwhelming feeling the week before finals, or just for fun!

Knitting

Believe it or not, knitting is not only for elderly grandmas, which it’s stereotypically associated with. There have been many studies that prove how knitting can help act as a meditative activity and boost mental health. Because of its repetitiveness, knitting is an activity where thinking is not required, and you can knit away until you are reenergized. Don’t know how to knit? There are many YouTube videos and websites like Sheep and Stitch that have tutorials on knitting. Knitting is the ideal activity if you feel like sitting on your couch or bed without doing anything hectic. 

Music

Though it seems cliché, music is arguably one of the activities with the most positive health benefits. There are so many things you can do with music, from playing a musical instrument to playing music from Spotify. Music can decrease fatigue, lower blood pressure, and improve memory, to name a few advantages. The great thing about music is the different genres, from Chopin calming one down to Eminem boosting the adrenaline. It’s guaranteed that everyone has a type of music they enjoy. 

Baking

Among other reasons, baking is shown to be a great activity because of the feeling of self-control and satisfaction one gets during the process. When life seems overloading, having control over something as simple as a cup of flour is helpful. Even if you think you’re a terrible baker, the truth is, anyone can bake following a recipe and having the right ingredients. If you’re still doubting yourself, there are other options like buying baking mixes from the grocery store. Finally, baking offers perhaps its best reward at the end, a delicious (hopefully) snack to last you for another hour of studying! 

Jogging/Walking

Before you skip over this because you feel you aren’t “athletic enough,” remember that nobody said you had to jog fast! Jogging can get tiring, but taking that daily dose of fresh air can help reduce brain fog and boost creativity. There is science behind how jogging affects the amygdala, which is responsible for improving your mood. Jogging also relaxes the body and helps one to get a night of deep sleep. Next time you catch yourself staring at your textbook without a clue on what you want to study, try going outdoors.

Want to find out if these activities really work? Here are some quotes from Arcadia High School (AHS) students! 

“Music is the most therapeutic thing for me, because listening to the right type can make other activities easier,” said AHS freshman Emily Chen.  

“I take walks with my parents after dinner which is like the only time I get to talk with them and not worry about school,” said AHS freshman Sarah Ma. “I also like getting a breath of fresh air.”

“I find baking therapeutic because I have an opportunity to bond with my mom,” said AHS freshman Darya Derakhshani. “Since we are both busy most of the time, we rarely spend time together but baking is the best excuse!” 

“I find taking walks to be nice because when I walk I’m usually alone, and it really lets me think with peace,” said AHS freshman Syeda Suliman.

The next time you are in need of a break, before resorting to social media (which actually worsens mental health), try one of the above activities. It’s important to take breaks, because your mind needs to rest, too!

Photo courtesy of Tim Goedhart