The weather is warm, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and I am stuck inside the library surrounded by my piles of homework and study guides.
These few weeks before spring semester ends are easily some of the most stressful days of a college student’s life. Essays pile up, study guides are thrown in our faces, and suddenly keeping up on our health becomes second to school.
It is easy to forget to take some time out of your week for yourself, even though having the occassional “you” time should be at the top of your to-do list. However, there are plenty of ways to relax while still having enough time for school.
Go for a walk
Take advantage of the nice weather and go for a walk outside. Whether it’s with a friend or with a pet or by yourself, taking a quick step outside will brighten your day and give you a much-needed study break.
Take a power nap
A twenty-minute nap will do anyone some good. Twenty minutes has been proven to be the best amount of time to spend sleeping in order to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Work out
Endorphins are good, no matter how tired you make feel during your work out. Running or lifting your stress away will give your brain a break.
Cuddle with an animal
There’s a reason there are always therapy dogs available to pet during finals week. It has been proven that cuddling an animal releases chemicals in our brains that make us feel happy and relaxed. So even if you don’t have a pet of your own, there will be a way to spend time with puppies come finals week.
Spend time with your friends
Your friends are there for a reason: to make you feel good about yourself and your life. So take some time in your day to grab coffee or lunch, have a heart-to-heart or watch a few episodes of your favorite show together. Your body and mind will thank you.