Stress who? I don't know her

The week before spring break is one that I always dread and have for the past four years. While I am eagerly looking forward to spring break, I must acknowledge that midterm season is upon us. It always seems to be the week leading up to break when all my classes decide it’s the best time to have an exam scheduled, so I don’t only have one, but two or three, and you can’t forget about group projects because those sneak up on you as well.

While I am ready to be in New Orleans, I have to say I am not sure I am ready to take on the week.

Instead of complaining about all my exams I thought that I would give a few tips about how I choose to de-stress, and the things I do to distract myself.

1. Take a walk or go on a run

You need a change of scenery and a new environment. Why not go on a short little walk or run around campus? Give yourself a break and some fresh air. I promise you will feel a lot better, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle that next chapter. If it’s a sunny day, even better because you’ll get some sunshine, and who doesn’t love some good sun?! Sometimes you need to blow off some steam, so maybe that means you go on a run just to let your brain clear out some of your stressful thoughts.

2. Listen to music or a new podcast

While I can’t always study with music in the background, I do recommend you take a break and listen to your favorite artists or album and let yourself sing out loud. It never hurts to sing at the top of your lungs for a few minutes; I bet you’ll feel relief. If you do listen to music while you study, I would recommend finding a playlist that has instrumental music as it’s calming and not distracting. Sometimes listening to an inspiring podcast can shift your mood just enough to give yourself the break you need.

3. Go to a cycle class

I mention blowing off steam in my first tip but it’s a real thing. I easily get stressed which causes me to get frazzled and in my own head. The best way to deal with that is to get your heart rate up. I suggest going to a cycle class at the SRC because classes are only 45 minutes, and the environment allows for you to take a break and motivate your workout with all the stress. I promise you’ll leave the room ready to take on the world, or in this case your midterms.

4. Make yourself some cookies

Sometimes sitting down and studying for hours can be boring. I know myself and I always seem to snack more when studying, but it’s all in my head because I just don’t want to focus. Rather than say no to snacks, take a 15-minute break and go bake yourself your favorite treat or pop the nestle toll house cookies in the oven for 11 minutes. This break is just enough time to give yourself some rest while shifting your focus on the cookies, so once they’re ready you can grab one or four and get back to it.

5. Fold your laundry

If you’re like me, you don’t love to fold your laundry. While you procrastinate studying, why not at least be productive and shift your focus on something a little less demanding? If you’re going to try to find a way to procrastinate, at least do it with something that somewhat productive to give yourself a valid excuse to pause. You will at least feel accomplished in one way.

While I know that midterms can be stressful, it’s important to remember that you need to take care of yourself and give yourself breaks. I find that spending too much time staring at my textbook, notes, or computer screen can be ineffective and unproductive, so I’m all about taking a second for a quick break.

Keep pushing through, spring break is near.