The end of the semester is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re starting to feel classes ramping up along with your stress levels. Here are a few things you can do this spring to avoid feeling burnt out and overwhelmed during the end-of-semester festivities!
Number 1: GO FOR A WALK
This is always one of the first things I do when I start to feel overwhelmed during the semester. I’ll step outside for a 20-minute walk, sometimes with music, sometimes without, for the perfect little brain reset. Obviously, the weather is so hit or miss here in Michigan, so maybe don’t take the walk if it’s snowing and 40mph winds, but if it’s a nice day and you’re feeling overwhelmed and cooped up inside, take a break, get some steps, and let yourself reset!
Number 2: If you have to study, don’t keep going to the same spot!
I get into a routine of going to the same study spot over and over to the point where going to that spot becomes stressful because I only ever go there to study. Instead, I’ve been trying to branch out to new places, and I really do feel like it helps break things up a bit just by changing scenery or trying a fun drink at a new coffee shop while studying! So, if you’ve been stuck in the UGLI for your past few exam sessions, maybe it’s time to go somewhere new!
Number 3: Try to do some work outside!
There’s no worse feeling than being inside doing work when it’s 75 degrees and sunny outside, so grab your backpack alongside a blanket and find a spot to sit outside and study. Obviously, this doesn’t work every day, but take advantage when you can! I personally feel like studying in the fresh air really helps me focus and lock in!
Number 4: FUEL YOUR BODY
Don’t survive on Alanis and Starbucks during exam week. Go buy yourself some good food! It can be hard to feel motivated to cook a complicated meal when you’re mentally drained, but there are so many yummy places to get a quick bite in Ann Arbor, or worst case scenario, I like to stock up on Trader Joe’s frozen meals as my backups :) I recommend their mac and cheese or chicken tikka masala for a quick and easy meal!
Moral of the story: take care of yourself this exam season and get some fresh air when you can! It’ll make all the difference!