With exam season fast approaching, many students may be starting to feel that queasy uneasiness associated with stress. This feeling can, however be alleviated through a variety of ways. So take a second, have a deep breath, and read on to find out 5 fun ways to beat stress this exam season.
Go for a hike in Jonkershoek
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the Western Cape, and is right on our doorstep. It is a worthwhile experience to devote a couple of hours in-between study sessions to hiking up to the waterfalls at the back of the reserve, where one can simultaneously revel in the splendour of nature as well as cool down under a beautiful cascade of water. Thomas du Plessis (20), a tasting room ambassador at Waterford wine estate says, “I love the untouched natural beauty up in Jonkershoek, it always reminds me of where I grew up in the Garden Route.”
Jonkershoek offers exciting hiking trails. PHOTO: Climb ZA
Have a swim in the Coetzenburg Dam
Looking for somewhere to swim in Stellenbosch, but none of your friends have a pool? No need to stress; there’s always the option of the Coetzenburg dam. With a rope swing that will keep you entertained for hours (when it is operational), and large grass banks that are perfect for picnics, Coetzenburg dam is the perfect exam stress reliever on a hot day. Nicholas de Jager (22), an Honours genetics student at Stellenbosch University, says that the dam is one of his favourite places to relax. “I often run up to the dam, its really peaceful and helps me deal with university related stress.”
The Coetzenburg dam is one the more scenic places to swim in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Extreme Jogging.com
Read a book in the Botanical Gardens
The Stellenbosch University (SU) Botanical Garden is the perfect place to go and hide from your study books, with loads of little nooks and crannies to sit and take in the natural beauty the Garden has to offer. With spring in full swing, there are few better places to be, with many of the flowers in full bloom. If relaxation is what you are looking for, then the Botanical Garden is the place to be.
The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is a peaceful place to sit and read. PHOTO: Josh du Plessis
Explore the Jan Marais Nature Reserve
The Jan Marais Nature Reserve, located at the top of Victoria street, is a haven for students looking to de-stress. The beautiful fynbos and renosterveld of the Swartland make for exquisite viewing, with a variety of indigenous trees under which to escape the heat of the day. The Nature Reserve, with a length of 1.7 kilometres, is a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours not thinking about your upcoming tests and exams. There are also a wide variety of bird species that frequent the park, making it a bird-watcher’s haven. The Nature Reserve is a must for anyone looking for a break without venturing too far from campus.
Local band Uncle Spike performing at the Stellenbosch Beer Festival, held at the Jan Marais Park. PHOTO: Josh du Plessis
Visit the Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature museum
One of the many hidden treasures located in Stellenbosch, the Toy and Miniature museum is a fun way to distract oneself from the impending sense of doom that accompanies exam time. Filled to the brim with scale miniatures, dinky cars, cuddly toys and much more, the Toy museum is perfect for someone who thinks they’ve seen all Stellenbosch has to offer.
Visiting the Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature Museum makes for the perfect study break. PHOTO: SA Venues.com