It’s that time of the semester again. The dreaded exam season. It seems like just last week you were receiving syllabi for your classes and now you’re back into testing mode. We all know it’s coming, but somehow always catches students off guard. This is a difficult time for everyone. Students hastily jam into libraries and open textbooks they had been neglecting for the past couple of months. It’s easy to feel defeated and overwhelmed, especially if the exams didn’t go as well as you had hoped. Don’t fear, however, because exam season shall pass and in the meantime here are some little things you can do to lift your spirits.
1. Volunteer in the community – Volunteering is a great way to forget about a bad day. Not only does it bring you joy, but it also benefits the community. There are dozens of organizations in dire need for more volunteers. Scheduling a time to give back to others every week can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Volunteering with kids can be particularly rewarding. Not only are you able to watch them grow, but they could not care less about your grade in physics.
2. Call your Grandma – Yes. Call your Grandma. She thinks the world of you and also does not care about that calculus test. She only wants to know if you’re eating well and if you’re finally dating someone yet. So give Grandma a call, she’ll love it.
3. Have a laugh – It doesn’t really matter how, but make yourself laugh a little. Turn on your favorite Netflix comedy and allow yourself to relax for an episode (or two). You could also go talk to that friend of yours that is always cracking a joke. This will surely make your day a little brighter or at least take your mind off that exam for a while.
4. Go to the gym – You may not like going to the gym, even when you’re in a good mood, but spending some time working out can help you feel better. You don’t have to do anything too intensive. Spending even a little time on the elliptical can make a big difference in your attitude. Getting in some exercise can help pump endorphins and going to the gym can also give you the feeling of being productive.
5. Spend some time outside – Not only does spring mean finals, but it also means beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. Take some time to soak in the sun. It’s hard not to be happy when you’re sitting in one of the gardens around the Lawn. Taking a walk around Grounds can most definitely help to lighten your mood. Bring along a friend and enjoy the perks of spring.
6. Find a furry pal – A college student’s favorite way to release stress – animals. The are organizations on Grounds that bring animals to libraries and even dorms to help relieve the stress of work. If those events aren’t happening, there are bound to be some dogs enjoying a walk around the Lawn. Stop by and admire the cuteness.
7. Get a good night’s sleep – The best way to put a bad day or a bad grade behind you is to start a new day. Go to bed early to help ensure you start tomorrow off on a good note. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mood. Put aside whatever assignment you’re worrying about and rest up. You will be more productive and feel a lot better once you have rested.
Exams are overwhelming. They are stressful for even the best of students. It’s natural to sometimes feel down during this time, but there are definitely things you can do to feel better. Hopefully, these ideas can help you to survive exam season. Good luck!