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Relax and De-Stress at TCC: Train Your Brain to Relax

Finals week is stressful during any semester, let alone during a global pandemic. This guide provides resources to help you relax, de-stress, and lower anxiety before and during finals.

Train Your Brain To Relax!

Train Your Brain Canvas Printing Service in Samgul Graphics ...

The Human Brain can be conditioned for lots of things...  to excel at languages, mathematics, or obscure Monty Python references.

Why, then, do so many of us find it difficult to help our brains learn to relax and unwind when we're feeling over-stressed?

Here's just a few ways that you can work on training your own brain to release calming endorphins, retain information better, and more.

Coloring & Relaxation

7 Benefits of Coloring For Adults and Why You Should Try It – ColorIt

Pick up a Crayon and relax!

According to Psychology Today, in adults, "coloring books have been shown to influence anxiety and more. In multiple studies, researchers have found that after a week of daily practice, those who spent time coloring displayed lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms."

Check out some of these online coloring apps, color-by-number websites, downloadable pages for coloring at home, and more.

 

Source:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/201803/are-adult-coloring-books-actually-helpful

Jigsaw & Word Puzzles

Thinking Outside the Grid | Tufts Now

Don't be puzzled...  Just relax!

According to USA TODAY, "solving puzzles helps reinforce existing connections between our brain cells.  It also increases the generation of new relationships and this, in turn, improves mental speed and thought processes.  Jigsaw puzzles are especially good for improving one's short-term memory." 

Check ot some of these great online puzzle sites!

 

Source:  https://classifieds.usatoday.com/uncategorized/the-surprising-benefits-of-puzzle-solving-for-adults/

Logic & Math Puzzles

Sudoku-induced epileptic seizures | Science | The Guardian

Grab a pencil...  Let's get logical!

According to researchers, study results have reenforced their belief that regular practice with "problem-solving activities like sudoku, crosswords, and logic-problems can improve brain function and protect the mind from cognitive decline later in life."

Check out some of these great online sources for math games, logic problems, and other brain-teasers to keep your mind razor sharp.

 

Source:  https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/a27492684/sudoku-crossword-puzzles-sharper-brain-study/