This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter.
As the end of the semester nears, students are often found either trying to keep their eyes open during late nights cramming for finals or freaking out about last-minute projects and deadlines. Each person handles stress differently, but we have some tips that can help make this hectic and exhausting time of the year a bit better. Here are a few ways that can help you stay awake or manage stress:
- Drink Green Tea: With a plethora of antioxidants and countless other health benefits, a warm cup of green tea can only do you good. It has natural caffeine to help you stay awake and its temperature will help soothe you. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Take a break: Everyone needs a break. Plus, its generally everyone’s favorite time. Whether it comes in the form of a well-needed nap or indulging in your favorite reality TV show, simply getting your mind off what has been stressing you can do wonders for you. Take some time to read, draw, cook food, shop, or whatever may switch your mind off ‘work mode’ for awhile.
- Listen to music: If you’re in need of a little less stress during a busy day, listen to some soft tunes to help soothe your nerves. If you find yourself falling asleep, listen to some upbeat music that will help jolt you back to life. Find music that can do this for you and you will have an easy way to help control your anxiety or sleepiness.
- Eat: Certain foods have specific qualities that can naturally help you stay awake. Fresh fruit is healthy, delicious, and contains natural sugars that will do the job. Chocolate-covered espresso beans are also a good trick, but pack a more intense punch. Chewing gum can help keep you awake, too!
- Exercise: Physical exertion also contains the best of both worlds. Do a little working out whenever you can to release endorphins, stay healthy, and keep yourself awake. A longer, more intense workout can also help tire out your muscles which can help you get a good night’s rest. Also, try meditating. It can help with relaxation and improve focus. You can find free tutorials on YouTube.
- Talk to someone: Finding solace in a friend or family member that you can talk to can be just as beneficial for reducing stress as anything else. Just being able to talk about what has you anxious may reduce the amount of anxiety that you feel. Find someone that will support you, or someone who is going through a stressful time as well. You can talk each other away from getting too worked up about things. It definitely helps!
Whatever you may need, there are always foods, activities, and options out there for you to explore when you are feeling tired, anxious, or stressed. Find what works for you and help yourself get what you need to finish off the semester right!