Finals week at Fresno State is here and stress levels are high. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 19.1% of adults struggle with stress on a daily basis. While stress can be difficult to deal with, here are five ways the institute for mental health suggests you de-stress before the busiest week of the fall semester.  

1. A wonderful way to de-stress is by practicing breathing exercises between breaks. Breathing exercises are used to fix your place in breath, resulting in a calming sensation. The National Institute of Mental Health teaches people about a breathing exercise called “Guided Visualization.” It is a process where you sit up in a chair, plant your feet on the ground and relax your muscles. Then, close your eyes and remember a place of relaxation. Follow the steps of breathing in, holding, breathing out and repeating while taking deep breaths. This is to simulate a moment of relaxation and calmness, which will help you navigate the world outside of your head. You can repeat this exercise as many times as you would like. 
2. Working out for just 30 minutes a day can help you experience less stress. Exercising allows your brain to emotionally process situations. Exercising is highly suggested to decrease stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. The institute of mental health points out that exercising enriches you physically and emotionally through a process referred to as the “self-buffering” effect. Starting at a slow pace like walking or yoga can help you make that change to a healthier and less stressful life. While exercising at your rate can reduce your stress, the institute of mental health also suggests that eating healthy and staying hydrated can play a positive role as well.  
3. Getting enough sleep can also help you with de-stressing. Sleep is very important as it helps your brain to develop information and recharges your body for another full day of activities. The institute of mental health addresses the issue of not having a set sleep schedule, which leads to high stress levels and anxiety. The average adult is recommended to have at least eight hours of sleep, but this can differ. So, make sure you have enough hours of sleep before you prioritize your busy schedule. 
4. Enjoying your favorite hobbies decreases your levels of stress daily. No matter the hobby you chose, it will always be “low-stress” to you. Some hobbies that are considered “low stress” according to National Institute of Mental Health include: listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, meditation, etc. While these hobbies require little to no effort, some hobbies that others enjoy are knitting, painting, doodling and playing “dress-up.”Taking the time to do something you enjoy doing will allow for a reset which will clear your mind and allow you to come back to the assignment with a fresh new look.  
5. Spending time with your loved ones is a great way to de-stress. With the holiday season coming up, spending time with friends and family is a wonderful way to take a break, to relax. The National Institute for Mental Health suggests reaching out to your family and friends during stressful times because they are your biggest support group. Taking a break to get a cup of coffee or to attend a fun event is one of many ways you can take the time to relax and allow yourself to temporarily forget about how stressful your assignment or activity was.  

While these are just some of the ways you can de-stress before the big final, relaxing is not the same for everyone. Some like to socialize and feel closer to others during stressful times, while many prefer to spend time alone doing their favorite hobbies. The National Institute of Mental Health has many resources and ideas on how you can de-stress during the busiest times in your life.