By Katie Stewart and Katie Willis
Finals Week in college is synonymous with stress and anxiety. But Exodus has five things to keep you from going crazy at the end of the semester.
1. Pancake Study Break
Be sure to head over to Shades Mountain Baptist Church tonight [May 6, 2013] from 9 p.m. to midnight to get a head start on getting rid of stress for finals. Who can turn down delicious pancakes and good conversation with friends?
2. Exercise 
Exercising to relieve stress is nothing you haven’t heard before, but if you’ve never actually taken the advice, now’s a good time to try it. Going for a run (or any physical activity that elevates your heart and breathing rates) causes your body to increase its endorphin production, putting you in a better mood and making the pain of studying a little more bearable. Plus it helps burn off some of those pancakes.
3. Jam it out
When you’ve been cooped up studying for hours on end, a dance break is always a good idea. Make a playlist of your favorite songs to dance to and periodically take 10 minutes to turn the music up as loud as you can and sing at the top of your lungs. In the words of Ella Fitzgerald, “the only thing better than singing is more singing.”
4. Laugh 
Don’t take yourself too seriously during finals week, it only makes the situation worse. This is the last week of hanging out with friends before
you head home for the summer, so enjoy it! Take a break and go see a funny movie or hang out at a local coffee shop with friends. It’s not good to take yourself too seriously.
5. Stop and breathe
Go into a dark, quiet room and focus on absolutely nothing. Try drinking a hot cup of coffee or tea. Take long deep breaths and clear your mind.
Photos by Katie Stewart and Katie Willis