queendopamine:

This is a cool relaxation method I found on University of Chicago’s counseling services page.

The five finger relaxation technique takes only a few minutes and can help with test anxiety. You might use this technique while you wait for an exam to be passed out. You might also use it if you freeze during an exam. Two or three minutes spent on deep breathing and relaxation will be well spent since focused relaxation and deep breathing have been shown to reduce the biological effects of anxiety. By reducing the amount of adrenalin pumping into your system, you will clear your mind and begin to think again.

Sit in a comfortable position with both feet on the floor and your hands in your lap. Close your eyes.

Touch your thumb to your index finger. As you do so, go back in time when your body felt healthy fatigue, when you had just engaged in an exhilarating physical activity. You might imagine that you had just played tennis, jogged, etc.

Touch your thumb to your middle finger. As you do so, go back to a time when you had a loving experience. It may be sexual, it may be a warm embrace, or an intimate conversation.

Touch your thumb to your ring finger. As you do so, go back to the nicest compliment you have ever received. Try to really accept it now. By accepting it, you are showing your high regard for the person who said it. You are really paying him or her a compliment.

Touch your thumb to your little finger. As you do so, go back to the most beautiful place you have ever been. Dwell there for a while.