UCSD - University of California - San Diego

03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2026 00:02

5 Ways To De-Stress Before Finals

Published Date

March 11, 2026

Article Content

Exams are stressful, but you can do it! If you need a break with finals just around the corner, here are some ideas for ways to de-stress, shake up your routine and find your very own moment of zen.

1. Take a tiny, on-campus field trip

Need a brain break and a little fresh air? From sweeping views of the Pacific to eucalyptus groves and public art installations spread across 1,200 acres of coastal woodland, there's beauty and inspiration to be found around every corner at UC San Diego. Find your serenity and boost your well-being with a tiny field trip from your studying.

2. Check out the de-stress activities at Geisel Library

What helps you de-stress? Is it a little stint with some LEGO? A cuddle with therapy dogs? Or maybe even some gentle yoga or quiet meditation? Geisel Library has you covered with a number of events and dedicated rooms designed to help you de-stress.

3. Reset your brain by finding a new spot to study

Consider breaking away from your usual study spot routine. Research shows that getting a change of scenery and having new, diverse experiences each day are closely tied to positive emotions and an enhanced sense of well-being. What are you looking for right now? Ocean views? Fresh air? Something on the cozy side? Or, perhaps most importantly: Coffee? Campus boasts dozens of great spots to hunker down in a variety of settings.

4. Check out the Willo app

Developed by over 100 people with $5 million in funding from the State of California, Willo is a comprehensive wellness app that launched in fall 2024. The app was designed and created by and for UC San Diego students and utilizes artificial intelligence to create an in-app, just-for-you list of resources drawn from the campus's extensive wellness services.

5. Schedule a session with "Let's Talk"

We all sometimes just need someone to talk to, and there are people on campus who are always ready to listen. The 1-to-1 informal sessions available with "Let's Talk" are with a UC San Diego mental health professional. They are designed to provide practical strategies, information, and support regarding general wellness-related issues. This is a great opportunity to chat with a mental health professional and ask questions about your well-being, accessing resources and to connect with Counseling and Psychological Services, which offers comprehensive mental health support to help students flourish.

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on March 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 12, 2026 at 06:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]