Because getting through college deserves a little celebration.
Let’s be honest, finishing a midterm is not easy at all. We spend hours studying, highlighting notes, and trying to remember information that somehow disappears the second we sit down for an exam. But as soon as we finish our midterm exams, one thing I think we should all do is get ourselves a little treat. This could mean grabbing a drink at Starbucks, ordering your favorite food, or even giving yourself a cute spa day, because honestly, we all deserve it.
I have realized that in college we are always looking toward something. We study for an exam to get a good grade, we finish an assignment to move on to the next one, and we spend our weeks trying to stay on top of everything. And even when we finish something, there is usually another assignment waiting for us. Sometimes, and especially during our midterm weeks, it feels like there is never a moment when we can stop and relax.
The Rise of Little Treat Culture
That is probably why giving yourself little treats becomes so exciting during midterm season. Suddenly, ordering the aussie cheese fries from Outback feels like the best part of your day, and watching a movie without feeling guilty about not studying feels like you just bought a Birkin bag. I think it is funny how something that would usually be a regular part of our days can become something we look forward to so much when we are busy.
I also think that as college students, we can make those regular things become rewards throughout our days. We can make little deals with ourselves like, “if I finish this chapter, I can take a break”. Somehow, these promises can make stress feel a little less than it actually is.
The Ultimate Guide to the First Round of Midterms
And sometimes the reward can even be about finally having time to do the things you have been putting off, such as going to bed without setting an alarm to wake up early and review your notes. Sometimes, the best treat is simply being able to enjoy your time without feeling guilty of losing study time.
A little treat will not always solve every problem, but it can remind us that there are still things to enjoy even when life feels stressful. We should celebrate finishing the exam, regardless of whether it went exactly how we wanted it to. We showed up, tried our best, and made it through another stressful part of the semester. And if a little treat makes the whole experience feel a bit better, then I don’t see why we should have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy it.