Dun-dun-dun. Midterms are upon us, and if you're just like me you're doing everything and anything in your power to avoid a harsh reality -- the fact that you need to study. Here's a list of things to do to distract yourself from the idea of midterms.
1. Netflix
The most obvious of choices. Watch your favorite show from the beginning or start a binge on a new show. You can even have a movie marathon. So many options, so little time! Need a recommendation? My all-time favorites are as follows: "Friends", "Gossip Girl", "How to Get Away with Murder", "Criminal Minds", "Narcos", "New Girl"...the list goes on and on.
2. Go for a walk downtown
Taking a walk downtown can prove to be very distracting because you're bound to pass by plenty of restaurants, stores, parks -- you name it! Stop and enjoy the beauty of any of those options.
3. FroYo
Do you crave something sweet when you're stressed out? Me too! Why not take a walk to MyYoMy! in River Point (a little passed the Third Ward) for a kind-of-healthy sweet treat, or at least one that won't have you feeling guilty at the end of the day. The added bonus? You can walk off those calories on your way back to campus. This adds on to your time of "midterm stress-free" time.
4. Shopping
Did someone say retail therapy? Fall break is your treat at the end of midterms, so, why not dress the part? Consider it a necessity. You have the option of either going to the mall or staying in the comfort of your own bed and trolling the Internet. Most online stores are having fall sales right now, do you need any more motivation?
5. Hang out with friends
What are friends for, right? Nothing can make for a better distraction than hanging out with your friends. You can pass hours talking to your friends about life and the things that bond you guys together. So, call up your friends and invite them over.
6. Go on every social media platform you have an account with
On an everyday basis, we find ourselves scrolling through our Facebook and Instagram feeds to pass time. What we think may take a minute or two turns into 10. If you are really trying to avoid studying for midterms, grab your phone and click away at all your social media apps.
7. Bars
Go to an environment where you are sure to forget all about midterms. Who said grabbing a beer on a Tuesday was a crime? No one.
8. Apple Holler/Mars Cheese Castle
Take a day trip down to Apple Holler or the Mars Cheese Castle...even better, go to both! A long afternoon spent at Apple Holler picking apples and going through a corn maze calls for a relaxing evening at the Mars Cheese Castle. You can unwind by eating some delicious cheese samples. Try. Them. All. They're delicious. You can even have lunch there. My recommendation: a sandwich with the American potato salad as your side.
9. Spotify/Pandora
Listening to music can often lead you astray from what you're really supposed to be doing. Have a dance party in the comfort of your own room and maybe even sing a couple tunes.
11. Go bowling
There's this place called the Annex on the corner of 16th and Wells that offers great deals for bowling every day. You can play a couple of games amongst friends and better your bowling skills.
12. Gym
If all else fails, hit the gym. You go into a zone when you're at the gym, and that's exactly what you need in order to forget all about midterms.