It’s that fateful time of the semester again, when everything comes to a close and all kinds of stress pop up out from every source. We all know it’s coming, yet barely anyone is truly prepared for the insane amount of anxiety that the last few weeks of school provide.
There are lots of things that people can do to chill out. I’ve heard of people exercising like crazy, doing yoga, practicing mediation, organizing themselves and eating healthier. But I’m mostly concerned with one particular way to de-stress during finals.
Sex.
I know a lot of people are just going to lock themselves in the library or their dorm rooms and cut themselves off from the rest of the world. They will write essays and study for tests and feel like the whole world is collapsing around them. Let’s be honest — when you’re stressed, it’s a lot harder to focus on things. Your mind is trying to focus on too much, so it’s for the best when you decide to take a naughty study break every now and again.
In several studies, sex has been shown to be a top stress reliever. It has some great health benefits as well: It lowers blood pressure, helps you sleep easier, can boost immune systems during the Binghamton winter and gives you an endorphin high.
I know that sex calms me down and a lot of my friends agree. During such a high-pressure time, it’s nice to have that other person take care of you and take your mind off things for a little bit. I would bet my life that you won’t be thinking about your Calculus final during sex, and if you do, well, then you are just too mature and responsible for me to handle.
If you’re thinking that you don’t have the time to find someone to have sex with — and I’m being massively unfair to you by not providing you with that — then think again. You don’t need to compromise your morals and go stand on a street corner; just have a little fun with yourself.
Masturbation, people! Everyone can do it — pretty much everyone does already — and for the most part, it has the same benefits as sex. If you want to focus on someone else to distract you, it’s easy to find some risqué site online.
Believe it or not, porn stars are people too.
If you happen to have that special someone, but you aren’t sure about having sex with them just yet, you could even just be intimate with them to the point that you’re comfortable with. Like I said, having another person around just to take your mind off real-world pressures for a little bit could be what you need.
Really, any form of intimacy reduces stress, even if it’s just cuddling and talking.
There’s a lot to do this time of year, but taking some time off to appreciate yourself is something everyone should do. Even if it’s just for a little while, the benefits you reap can be great. Try not to lose your mind too quickly and good luck!