Spring Hill College’s Wellness Center is helping students de-stress over the next two weeks with open appointments from December 2-13. These appointments will last for 30 minutes and are first come first serve. Dr. Dodie Ward gave 10 tips on how to best de-stress during finals. 

1. Try using the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Dr. Ward said this breathing technique can “rebalance your parasympathetic system.” 

2. Take breaks from studying to go outside for a 20-minute walk with a friend. 

3. Using aromatherapy, lavender and orange are the best for destressing and can be diffused together. 

4. Taking a break to watch a short comedy. The goal is to laugh because laughing is a great for anti-stress. 

5. If you have pets, play with them for a short break. There will be an event during finals where puppies will be available in Rydex Commons to play with them. 

6. Caffeine is a very large stress. Dr. Ward encourages students to lower their amount of caffeine and to get more sleep. 

7. Practicing mindfulness and yoga is “one of the best ways to destress.”

8. Dr. Ward knows that this can be hard but avoiding procrastination is really important as procrastination causes a lot more stress in the long run. 

9. Singing can actually help reduce stress. While a student at Spring Hill, Dr. Ward went caroling with her friend’s door-to-door wrapped in Christmas lights and said that she had a great time and afterwards she was able to focus more. 

10. Take a 20-30 minute break in between studying subjects as it gives your brain a break and has enough time to readjust to the next subject. 

The Wellness Center encourages students to take the opportunity of these walk-in appointments as it comes close to the end of the semester. Counseling hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except lunch). Students can make appointments the day of by calling 2513802271 or emailing wellnesscenter@shc.edu.