The first IB exam is coming up tomorrow, and the next few weeks can be hard for students all across MCPS as we begin taking more IB exams, the SATs, and many other tests and assessments. It can be challenging for our mental health as we sometimes stay up studying or cramming, leading to stress and negative moods. So, here are some ways to boost your mood during these hard times.

•  Take a Walk

Even though the weather lately has been a little bipolar, there have been numerous days where it has been warm enough to go outside and take a walk. Surprisingly taking a walk has numerous benefits; it can strengthen your bones, improve sleep, and, most importantly, boost your mood and energy. So maybe think about taking a walk sometime during this week! 🙂 

• Write/Draw about it

Most of the time, when we are feeling under the weather, we just want to let our emotions out. Whether through talking to someone or another HEALTHY coping mechanism, it’s good to let our feelings out instead of holding them in. Writing and Drawing it increases your brain activity, improves your creativity, deepens self-discovery,  and especially encourage space from negative thoughts or emotions.

• Watch a Scary Movie

I know this one is a little confusing, but hear me out; stress or sadness leads to low serotonin levels. Serotonin is a natural mood booster that affects many brain parts like fear. So, when you are watching a horror movie, your brain releases Serotonin that helps promotes brain health, lowering stress and anxiety levels.

• Listen to Happy Music

Usually, when we are sad or stressed, we tend to listen to music that depicts those emotions, which either feed more negativity or keeps us feeling the same. Listening to more upbeat and “happier” music also causes our brain to produce serotonin which evokes a feeling of joy and puts you in a more positive mood.

• Take a Break

Saving the best for last, taking a break will always be beneficial during these stressful times. Allowing yourself to breathe after a long day of studying helps improve your well-being. So, don’t forget to take a break and remember there’s always tomorrow. <3