Thanksgiving is almost here, and the weather has not been fantastic. Instead, it has been raining like there's no tomorrow. This unfortunate weather that Mother Nature blessed us all with has caused me to be in a weird funk this past week. However, using eight tips helped me to feel better during the cold rainy days of hardcore studying. Most importantly, these eight tips will help you reduce your stress from pre-finals week to that unfortunate week of chaos.
1. Change your scenery.
This past weekend I had to go home to Delaware for a family matter. This short break allowed me to recharge in the midst of writing papers and preparing for finals week that is unfortunately encroaching upon us all. Sometimes, changing the environment you are in can help change your mood. Go to Starbucks or take a walk around campus. This will help you relax, I promise.
2. Go work out.
I’m not saying go be an Olympic athlete, but take a stroll around campus. This allows you to clear your head and mentally recharge, which we all need to do.
3. Create a new playlist on Spotify.
If you are like me and like to listen to music while you write, this is a lifesaver because it allows you to look forward to something at the end of your day. Believe me, it works, and you will be feeling like DJ Snake in no time, friends.
4. Watch a movie.
If creating a playlist doesn’t brighten your mood, then watch a movie.I’m not saying don’t do any studying; that would be terrible. Watch a movie or some Netflix TV shows or whatever you prefer. However, only revert to watching movies if you seriously and I mean seriously can’t focus or make sense with your studying or writing. This allows you to take a break and mentally recharge as well. And it’s a plus because it brings #joy.
5. Take a shower.
If you manage to study and finish all of your work after your movie marathon, take a shower. Not only does this promote cleanliness (we are not in the colonial days, people), it also helps you relax. Sounds weird, but it's effective.
6. Clean.
If you have papers for days to write and tests to study for and everything I mentioned above still doesn’t help you then I would recommend cleaning your study area/your room. This is a major stress reliever and can help clear your mind and get your life organized. Who doesn’t want that?
7. Take a nap.
My go to if I am writing and studying and I simply can't take it anymore as my head is pounding I go to my favorite tactic. Napping. Sleep is the most essential part of maintaining your focus; it allows you to retain more information from your study sessions, and it maintains your overall health. I recommend small power naps simply because the longer the nap the more your sleep schedule will be off and we don’t want that.
8. Hang out with your friends.
At the end of each week or even during your breaks during finals week, meet up with your friends and catch up. This allows you to socialize and not be a hermit, which you have most likely been for a week due to studying, and it reduces stress. Being with people just brightens your mood. So, socialize, people.
Hopefully, all of these tips helped you all. And to quote Wiz Khalifia, “Work hard play hard.” These next few weeks are the biggest hurdles this semester. You simply have to put the extra hours in these next few weeks to get the best results so you can celebrate the holidays with your friends and family. You wouldn’t want to put a damper on that. So, go touch the statue that Pope Francis blessed because let’s be real, we all need as many blessings as possible during these next few weeks. Good luck to you all, and may your exams, papers, projects, and quizzes be ever in your favor.