Let me just say it’s not that I wouldn’t LOVE to eat a whole block of chocolate every time I get stressed because trust me, I would.
It’s just that my body doesn’t seem to love it as much as my taste buds do (hello pimples) so I’ve had to find other ways to deal with the stress that always seems to rear it’s ugly head around this time every semester.
And since exams start in a little over a week (eeeek!) there’s no better time to de-stress than now!
These 3 little things I love doing to help me get back to being a somewhat-normal person aren’t the only 3 things I do to de-stress, but they’re 3 things I do that don’t really take much effort to add into my routine (and they’re all free too!)
Here they are:
1. RainyMood.com
So I’m a little obsessed with the sound of rain.
I don’t know if it’s because I live in Brisbane and it barely ever rains here or if I’m just a little weird, but I always listen to Rainy Mood whenever I’m doing anything on my laptop.
I am so obsessed with this website that I still listen to it even when it’s actually raining outside.
I mean, I do feel a little weird when I do that and I know that’s probably a little too far but it’s just so good. As I said, I am obsessed (I’m listening to it as I type this) and for whatever reason it always helps me feel super zen.
2. Spotify
Besides listening to Rainy Mood, whenever I’m on my laptop (which is where I spend most of exam block) I always listen to music. It just really helps to put me in a good mood and makes me feel a little more care-free.
My absolute favourite thing to do while I’m studying is to listen to the ‘discover weekly’ playlist on Spotify whilst also listening to RainyMood and drinking a hot cup of tea.
It’s amazing.
The combination of rain and music and tea just puts me in the most productive mood and I just feel so cozy and calm and like everything is going to be ok.
3. Podcasts
My favourite thing about listening to podcasts is that they help me put things back into perspective so quickly.
I listen to a lot of podcasts (like The School of Greatness and Entrepreneur on Fire) because for whatever reason I just LOVE hearing about how other people overcame obstacles in their life. Listening to someone else’s success story always makes me (a) realise what I’m stressing about isn’t really that important or (b) gets me super inspired and gives me push to keep going.
Chances are, if you’re reading a blog like this you’re probably into that kind of stuff too so I seriously recommend checking those podcasts out if you haven’t already (I already know a few of you have!)
Update: I’ve created a list of the 10 best podcasts for millennials – you can read it here.
So there they are – 3 of my favourite ways to try to remain somewhat-normal during exams.
What do you think?
What’s your favourite way to de-stress? And am I the only one who is obsessed with the sound of rain?
Don’t forget that comments are always appreciated – I’d LOVE to hear from you!
Sam xx
I,on the other hand love love love the sound of sea and sea in general so when I can I like to take the train and take a walk by the sea staring at her!!Sooo de-stressed!!!
Hi Penelope!
Thanks so much for your comment – I love the sound of the sea too! Going to the beach is one of my favourite things I’m the world!
Sam xx
I have to say you’re not the only one that likes the sound of rain. I’m from England and as it tends to rain there a lot I find that the sound has now grown to comfort me. 🙂 I live in KY at the moment and find that when it rains here, I relax and feel content thinking about home! 🙂
Music helps me relax too. I often sit and listen but usually I put on a c-d like The Overtones and end up dancing my stress away. There’s just something about dancing around like a complete goof that calms me down! :p
I’m new to your blog and really enjoy reading it! Thank you for the de stress tips and I look forward to reading posts to come!
Lucy xx
http://www.lululocket.blogspot.com
Hi Lucy,
Thanks SO much for your kind words about my blog – I appreciate them so much!
I totally agree, dancing the stress away is the best! And the sound of rain is just so good (and I can imagine you’re pretty used to it if you’re from England haha) so glad you share my love for it!
Thanks again for your lovely comment!
Sam xx
I love that these are all sound/music related! Also, even though it rains 98% of the time here in the UK, THANK YOU for introducing me to Rainy Mood, so awesome!
Hi Claire,
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m so happy you love rainy mood – it’s the best!
And I think I’m a little obsessed with audio stuff haha I just love having some good to listen to when I’m doing something boring!
Sam xx
Thanks for writing this post Sam! I have exams starting up next week too, and its good to have some fresh ideas about keeping relaxed and not too stressed during the study break. Its currently raining here in NZ and the noise is so comforting! 🙂
Hi Catherine!
Thanks so much for your comment and good luck with your exams! I hope you have a relaxing and stress free exam week (I know it can be so hard to do!)
Sam xx
I am definitely a fan of the sound of rain too! Just running water in general makes me really happy 🙂 Some friends of mine have a pond and little waterfall thing in their backyard and I used to just hang out on their porch swing listening to the running water. It was amazing. My favorite way to de-stress during finals is taking long, hot epsom salt baths at the end of the night. It helps me get rid of the crappy parts of the day and relax and sleep well. That being said, sleep is also another thing I try not to compromise on during exams. I’ve just recently become a Pandora fan but I actually can’t have it on while I study–earplugs are my best friends! Best of luck, Sam!
Thanks for sharing Alex! I need to try this epsom salt bath thing haha I keep hearing about it lately (even though I know it’s been a thing forever)
And it’s so interesting – some people prefer silence when they’re studying and others, like me, prefer to have a consistent background noise. I do like silence when I’m studying really hard though, which happens all the time…
Sam xx
Thanks for suggesting that site, I’m really enjoying it! I think the quickest and best way for me to relax is to just be quiet. I’ll sit in my room and just chill, maybe close my eyes for a few minutes. No phone, laptops or any distractions. I feel so refreshed afterwards.
Alex that is such a great idea! I am going to start incorporating that into my routine instead of trying to preoccupy myself with someone all the time.
Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Sam xx
I looove rainy mood so much! I even use the sleep timer app on my phone which plays rain music to put me to sleep. Great post + love your blog! xx
Jasmin Charlotte
Hi Jasmin,
Yes!! I am so happy to hear you love rainy mood too haha I need to set it up with the sleep timer app what a great idea!
And thank you for your kind words about my blog – I appreciate it so much!!
Sam xx
I love listening to Ludovico Einaudi when I am studying!! The combo of that with rainymood and tea sounds awesome, can’t wait to try it next time I am stressing out 🙂 Just came across your blog today and loving it, so relatable!! xx
Hi Aoife,
Yes! A Ludovico Einaudi fan! It seriously is so good with rainymood you have to try it.
And thank you so much for your kind words – I appreciate them SO much!!
Sam xx
Having had a particularly stressful day today planning for the start of my final year at University next month, I decided to try your combination of the rain music, Ludovico and tea and its amazing!
Thank you! Just what i needed and I will definitely be using it in the future.
Just came across your blog today and found myself scrolling through it for ages, love it xxx
I have a white noise app which has a rain noise. it’s sooo relaxing. I love being snuggled in bed with the sound of rain on the window xxx
Hi Laura,
That sounds awesome!! Snuggling in bed with the sound of rain is the best thing!
Sam xx