Exam week can lead to high levels of stress for many students on campus, and managing this stress can be challenging. With finals on the horizon, here are seven activities that can help you decompress and destress.
Get outside
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, as little as 10 to 20 minutes outside can help prevent stress and strengthen mental wellbeing.
There are plenty of pretty places in Baton Rouge that you can walk around to destress. The University Lakes at LSU can be an easy and convenient walking trail. The area is very open and has a great view. If you want to travel a little farther for some different scenery, the Bayou Manchac Park at 19010 Jefferson Highway has a more secluded hiking trail with a lot of trees for shade.
See a movie
What is a better way to relax than to sit back and take a load off while watching a film? You could turn a movie on at home or go to the theaters. Whether you are in the mood for sci-fi like “Project Hail Mary,” animated fun like “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” or a dark comedy like “The Drama,” the theaters can be the place for you.
The Botanic Gardens
You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers. April is coming to a close, which means it’s time to see some lovely flowers at the Botanic Gardens at Independence Park. Walking through the gardens is a great way to clear your mind while taking in the beauty of nature.
Get a pedicure
Whether you go to a professional nail salon or get together with friends and paint your own nails, a pedicure can be a fun reward after stressful studying. All you have to do is sit down in a chair and relax while someone else does the rest. Afterward, you will have pretty nails to look at while you do your work.
Take a yoga class
The UREC offers free yoga classes for students on campus. Not only would these classes give you a much-needed break from studying, but they would help you to relax, all while moving your body.
Arts and crafts
There are plenty of places in Baton Rouge where you can go craft, giving your brain a break and letting your creativity shine. Bellyfire Studios on Lee Drive is a place where you can go paint your own pottery. There, you can have a fun brain break and make something functional.
Coffee shops
Scenery is very important when it comes to studying, and switching up your study spots can help keep your motivation going.
Baton Rouge has a surplus of great coffee shops with an amazing atmosphere. Magpie Cafe has a cozy ambience and feels almost as if you are stepping into a place right out of a book. Highland Coffee is close to campus and has a beautiful outside courtyard that is surrounded by many birds. Pura Vida Coffee Bar always has cool new flavors and great food.
No matter what you are looking for, Baton Rouge has a place for you to destress and relax.
