Mid-October means two things: 1. Texas has finally started to get the memo that it is officially fall and 2. MIDTERMS. With the first comes wonderful things like being able to wear sweaters and drinking hot caffeinated drinks without sweating. Midterms, however, bring horrible things like stress, daily mental breakdowns, and all-nighters. If you are like most college students, then the stress of midterms also ups your chances of getting sick, and there is nothing worse than having to take exam after exam while drugged up on DayQuil and other medications. To prevent this from happening, we must all make some time in our busy schedules to take a break. To give you some ideas of how to do this, here is a list of six great ways to relax.
1. Take a nap! Nothing feels better than cuddling up in bed or a hammock outside and taking a nice nap. Sleep will not only help your brain take a break (which will help you retain information better when studying), but it will also give your body a break and can help prevent you from getting sick.
2. Treat yo-self!We all need some alone time every once in a while, whether it is going on a nice walk or sitting in front of Main Building with a nice hot latte. Luckily, St. Edward’s is filled with tons of places to get some alone time and de-stress.
3. Go study outside!Thanks to the wonderful fall weather, you can actually study outside without suffering from a heat stroke! Although you are still studying, being outside and getting out of your cold, poorly lit room to get some fresh air can definitely help you relax. Some enjoyable study spots are out by the Carriage house on campus, or at Mozart’s Coffee house while sitting by the lake.
4. Dance it out!If you are a fan of Grey’s Anatomy then you know that there is no better way to relax after a long day than by dancing with your best friend. Grab a friend, blast some music and dance until you are exhausted. Or go into your room, dance in your underwear and sing at the top of your lungs!
5. Spend some time with your friends!There are so many entertaining things to go out and do during the month of October. It can be as simple as making a nice home-cooked meal and watching a movie, or something adventurous like going to a pumpkin patch or a school event like the Halloween Block Party! Spending time with friends is one of the best ways to relax; it is always non-stop laughter with good pals around and there is nothing better than that.
6. Have a spa night.Stress usually means one thing: stress acne. So take a night to stay in, run a warm bath and put on your favorite face mask (we strongly suggest you stop by Lush on 6th Street for spa night necessetties).
Midterms can be terrible but reserving some time during your day to do one or all of these things, or relaxing in a way that you like will make it a little less dreadful.