You may be past midterms but the semester doesn’t seem like it will slow down from now until the end of finals. Yikes. As overwhelming as all of the upcoming responsibilities may seem, there are steps you can take to make life a little bit easier. So grab your coffee and your textbooks and let’s power through these last few weeks of school together. We’ve got this.
- Write everything down
-
With a swirl of internship applications, term papers, presentations and exams, there’s a lot to keep track of. Keep on top of your game and never miss a meeting or assignment with a well-kept list of all that you’ve got going on. Write down your obligations in a calendar, planner or list! If you’re like us at HCLUC, we love to make lists and then cross each item off. It’s a visible representation of your responsibilities and a satisfying little reward for whenever you complete a task.
- Get your Vitamin D
-
The days get progressively shorter after midterm season. Here in Chicago, the sun can start to set around 3:30 in the winter time and we have to admit that we’re not a fan. If you find that the darkness makes you more tired than usual, you’re not alone. A lack of sunlight can mess with all sorts of emotions and energy levels. This semester, make sure you’re finding your Vitamin D somewhere; from supplements to stealing a few moments outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Don’t take screens to bed
-
If you’re checking your phone or scrolling through your computer before going to bed, you’re robbing yourself of sleep. The blue light from screens sends signals to the brain to remain active. Even when dark or night modes are enacted, the act of texting people or looking through apps stimulates the mind and can keep you awake. In fact, research suggests a direct correlation between blue light and a suppression of melatonin. Instead, try turning your devices off before you wash your face and get ready for bed. The best way to power through the day is when you’ve gotten a full night of sleep!
- Wash your sheets
-
When’s the last time you washed your bedsheets and pillowcases? Experts recommend that you wash your sheets weekly. Although it may take up precious time, it’s a simple way to keep your living space free of clutter and the dust, sweat, dead skin and mites that thrive in sheets. Also, who doesn’t love sleeping on clean sheets?! Try using your laundry time as forced study time. Maybe you can work on one assignment for the duration of one washing cycle and then switch to another when you throw your sheets into the dryer.
- Up your water intake
-
And no, drinking more coffee does not help fulfill this point. The amount of water each person needs to drink varies depending on their weight, height and activity level, but some experts estimate drinking about an ounce for each pound that you weigh. Water helps keep your body functioning at peak performance which is necessary as school and jobs can begin to weigh you down. And there’s plenty of mental benefits, including increased concentration and alertness, with staying hydrated.
When life gets crazy, there are ways to help bring some order back to the chaos. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself this semester and revisit the little things that make you happy. What’s your favorite way to help beat the stress? Tweet us @HerCampusLUC to let us know!