Yes, exams are stressful, and life sucks at the moment. The library is a cesspit of disease. The weather is awful.
But Christmas is around the corner.
We just need to get through the next couple of weeks!
Here are a couple of tips to unwind during the stressful exam period:
1. Have a cup of tea. Tea makes everything better; popping the kettle on is an automatic response in the face of ANY crisis. My flat was literally almost burgled and I put the kettle on. It’s calming, relaxing, and – in this cold weather – one of my main sources of heating. Not joking.
2. Go for a walk. We live and study in such a beautiful and historic setting, go make the most of it! Pump up the tunes, embrace Kathy and do your best Wuthering Heights, and clear your head space. I have genuinely walked around the block dancing to Taylor Swift as a break from the stuffiness of the library.
3. Combine the two and go for a walk to have a cup of tea! St Andrews is graced with a plethora of amazing cafes from the basic Starbucks, to the cozy Cottage Kitchen, to my new personal favourite, the Golf Museum Café. The Café, although a little on the expensive side, has the most fabulous views over West Sands. It’s the new studying spot for those in the know!
4. Hot water bottles. Enough Said.
5. Yoga – It’s too wet to go outside. But, face it, everyone goes completely loopy without a little movement. I recommend some home yoga – or, Just Dance on the Wii. It’s acutally exhausting/I’m really unfit. It’s great.
6. Cook. Food is great. And a winter warmer is even better. Cooking and baking is super relaxing and a great way to take your mind off work. Try out some healthy, but wholesome meals, from Deliciously Ella!
7. Chat with friends. Just veto any conversations about work/exams/jobs. Focus on the important topics: where your library crush sits/how distractingly gorgeous the guy sitting opposite you is/Christmas food.