Deadlines suck. But sadly we all have them. It is impossible to get through your degree without them. So how do we stay happy, healthy and fit during those horrible times of year when we feel like we are drowning in work?
Here are five top tips to keep even the most stressed individuals sane (and hopefully happy) around deadlines:
1. Sleep
Sleep is the best thing in the world for our bodies. Stress is the worst. So when we are stressed, we need to get 7-9 hours hours of sleep to keep our bodies and brains working. Everyone’s body is different so if you need more sleep make sure you get it. A well rested mind is a functioning mind!
2. Fruits and veg
It is so easy to get bogged down and reach for the share bag of Maltesers. But this will lead to guilt eating and wont make you feel better long term (although we do all need chocolate sometimes!) So remember to eat a well balanced diet with 5-10 portions of fruit and veg a day even during deadline season. This will mean you don’t crash and eat a share bag of doritos and three bags of harribos in one sitting. And remember that due to the antioxidants foods like berries, dark chocolate and green tea are mood boosters. Bananas and Cashew nuts are also known for their mood-lifting properties!
3. Move (even if only a bit)
One of the worst things out body can do is stay still. Our bodies are designed to move. Most of us don’t have walking desks so we do end up sitting while cramming for those last minute deadlines. However, if you walk around the library and make sure you move a bit or take a short break every 45 minutes, your body and your mind will feel more relaxed and more lively! Try and dance around your room to Taylor Swift for five minutes to let off some steam, or try doing squats while brushing your teeth (any movement really helps boost your mood.)
4. Find balance
No one is perfect and most of us are guilty of leaving things to the last minute. But trying to fit too much into life around deadline season just isnt good for you. So take a breather and focus on what you have to do, but also focus on yourself. Spend time doing things you love and make sure you don’t let the balance in your life slide. If you have a hoby, do it. If you like to go out clubbing, do it. If you like watching film, do it. Do it all just make sure you work hard, play hard and relax well.
5. Dont put pressure on yourself
It is so easy to get self-critical and negative towards yourself during exam season. You get frustrated that you left your essay to the last minute after swearing you never would again. You get angry that you spent three hours tagging friends in memes instead of revising and you get frustarted that you still have not mastered referencing! But being so angry at yourself the whole time will only make your work poorer, you more stressed and more miserable. So do some yoga, smile every day and remember that everyone messes up (students more then most!) so you cannot expect to be perfect (and come on, we ALL leave our coursework until the last minute!)
Getting through deadlines whilst remaining sane seems like a tall order. But we can all do it! Just work hard, but remember that life is short and your health and happiness has to come first!