There is no doubt about the fact that the few weeks leading up to final exams are full of stress and worry for all college student. I know at UF, my friends and I are always stressed to the max by the time exam week comes around. All you hear across campus is “Good luck on exams” from not only professors, but also workers, teaching assistants and sometimes even a barista at Starbucks. I’m here with some good news for the multitude of stressed out, exhausted and drained UF students: Gainesville has plenty of opportunities that are perfect for study breaks from the books and all-nighters.
1. Escape to Paynes PrairieWhen my brain is exhausted beyond belief from memorizing lectures and reading textbooks for my classes, there is nothing better than escaping into nature. Paynes Prairie is a gorgeous place to head out to with your friends. You can enjoy amazing weather and mentally get as far away from your schoolwork as possible. Take a walk through nature alone to clear your mind. Make a playlist and go for a little jog in the wilderness. Or do my favorite activity — walk the entire 8-mile trail in search of wild ponies and bison.
2. Play with PuppiesUF offers many opportunities to clear your mind in the most fun way possible. Nothing is better than cute, furry puppies! This is especially true when you are tired of people, books, talking and studying. You can simply sit in the grass holding an adorable puppy in your lap. Some studies show that puppies can relieve major stress that college students experience around exam week. Keep an eye out for the dates and times when student organizations are sponsoring puppy play time to de-stress! These types of events usually take place in front of Library West or in the Plaza of the Americas.
3. Take a Painting ClassThere are many places in Gainesville where you can get in touch with your artistic side. Corks and Colors and DoArt in Gainesville are both great places to take classes where you learn how to paint different scenes. Corks and Colors is a fun location because you can even bring your own wine and paint wine glasses with your friends! DoArt has incredible instructors who give you step-by-step directions to paint gorgeous canvas paintings by mixing your own paints and using different paintbrushes.
4. Have a Spa DayTake a day all to yourself and away from the books. Make appointments from morning to night with your closest friends. Start the day off with an incredible Swedish massage to get out all of the tension you’ve been feeling the past few weeks. Follow this with a manicure and pedicure for maximum relaxation and mental decompression. Spa Royale and Cloud 9 Spa are just two local options for optimal relaxation and stress relief.
5. Indulge in some Retail TherapyRetail therapy is one type of therapy that I wouldn’t mind getting a dosage of every day. Gainesville has some fun boutiques that are perfect for finding cute outfits and accessories. The Colorful Gator, Henri Girl and Wolfgang all have trendy outfits perfect for some retail therapy. This is my go-to method after being exhausted. Changing out of your T-shirt and Nike shorts for a cute outfit already can boost your mood even before you leave to go shopping.
No matter what your preference of relaxation may be, Gainesville has something for everyone when it comes to taking a break from the books and clearing your head.
Photo credits: pinterest.com