As hard as it is to believe, summer will be here before we know it. Spring Break provided some reprieve in the midst of a busy semester. But inevitably, the week went by in a flash. Classes have resumed, bringing with them a string of exams and lengthy assignments. With the spring semester nearing an end, you will most likely be making some significant changes in your schedule. Suddenly, you trade in your pile of magazines for that stack of lecture guides hibernating on your desk. You give up non-stop partying for a membership at Club Snell, and late night pizza outings turn into highly necessary coffee runs. Needless to say, you have a lot on your plate.
Take a breath and relax as HC shows you how to keep your cool in the midst of all the craziness.
Make “Me Time”
It might seem obvious, but taking some time off for yourself is critical during stressful periods. Even ten minutes can work wonders for your mental health. Make a commitment to do something you love everyday. Whether it’s journaling in your room or chilling in a local café, making time for you is the ticket to keeping stress at bay.
Work it out
The cold weather has most of us wanting to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy. The last thing you want to do is drag yourself over to Marino. But a heart-pumping sweat session might be just what you need. We all know about the many benefits of working out. In addition to toning up your physique, exercise provides that incomparable endorphin rush and a powerful mental release. So instead of dreading the gym, try viewing exercise as an opportunity. Don’t put pressure on yourself to spend hours at the fitness center. Start with brief cardio workouts and do what feels natural.
Tune in and Tune Out
Spending so much time studying and listening to lectures can leave your brain feeling cramped. Tune out by listening to music, browsing lifestyle blogs, or watching your favorite show on Hulu. Other suggestions include flipping through a magazine or reading a new book. Any of these activities will allow your brain to focus on something besides the complex material you’re learning in class.
Visit the TA
Many students are nervous to make appointments with teacher assistants, worrying that they’ll embarrass themselves when asking questions. But that’s exactly what the TA’s are there for. They actually want to help you succeed. The reality is, you have a precious chance to clarify material and eradicate any confusion that’s built up. Now is the time to go in, even if you’ve avoided the tutoring center for the majority of the semester. Take advantage of this valuable resource before it’s too late!
Don’t Forget to Laugh
While Facebook and YouTube can be time-wasters, they can also be great entertainment outlets. During busy times like this, many people become overwhelmed, feeling intimidated by all the work they have to do. You probably put enough pressure on yourself to stay motivated, so lighten up a little. Checking out funny videos and links will remind you not to take yourself too seriously. Just be sure to limit your time when surfing the net. Since it’s easy to lose track, try setting an alarm on your phone. When it goes off, it’s back to the books. If viral videos aren’t your thing, NU has some great comedy shows and improv performances during the coming weeks. Look for posters around campus and check online to get the latest updates.
Take Breaks
During long periods of studying, it’s easy to become absorbed with whatever you’re reviewing. Taking short breaks every hour will actually make you more productive and cut down unnecessary study time. Get up and stretch or go for a quick walk to decompress for a few minutes. Also, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Juices and smoothies will give you a boost of energy to keep you efficient and on-task.
Call up your Friends
As vital as “me time” is, being with friends is just as important. If you find yourself wrapped up in homework, make a point of organizing a quick hangout. Being with others takes your mind away from the books, allowing you to relax. See a movie, go shopping on Newbury, or just catch up in the dining hall. No matter what you choose, socializing will boost your mood and make studying seem like less of a burden.
Photo credits to Flickr, Mediaren, Blogspot, Collegelifestyles.org, all-famous-quotes, cocktailmixingmaster and Blogspot.