Finals week can be filled with stress, sleepless nights and heavy caffeine, but there are many healthy efficient ways to destress such as reading, music and exercise.

Reading a book

Reading for 30 minutes a day can distract the mind and reduce stress by over 68 percent, according to an August 18, 2016, Mercola article.

Reading can relax the body and mind to improve focus and is a great way to spend some free time. Senior psychology major Emily Adams said she uses reading and writing to distract herself from overworking.

“I like to use it to live in a different world,” Adams said. “It gives me a break from reality.”

Listening to music

Music is another popular way to destress, and many students use music as an escape and distraction.

Music absorbs the attention of the listener and allows the body to relax, according to the Psychcentral.com homepage. Music can also slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones.

Bree Arend, sophomore special education major, said music gives her a break and helps her find her happy place.

“I mainly listen to alternative and metal music to destress,” Arend said. “Since I have anxiety, it calms me down.”

Different types of music have different effects on the listeners, according to Psych Central. Calm music is the best type to listen to, but it all depends on the individual.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best stress relievers and can be as simple as a short walk, according to the Mayo Clinic. Staying healthy during finals is key to keeping the mind sharp, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Eating good meals, exercising for30 minutes and avoiding caffeine is important to keeping the body healthy and stress free. Exercise releases endorphins that can later help improve memory and relax the mind, according to a November 29, 2016, article on Harvard.com.