Funny how as I write this article, I am surrounded by a crowd of students biting their nails and chugging coffee like Four Locos in the library. In fact, around this time of year, its almost unbearable to be in the library if you are lucky enough to even find a good seat. So put the pencils down and surrender the highlighters, Her Campus UVM is here to help you destress, yet stay on task.
Coffee may be the enemy
First off, coffee is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Though too much of it does nothing for you but bring you up to your maximum potential and then make you crash just as quickly. Its important to keep your brain and senses on a stable level, and underlining with zig-zags instead of straight lines because you can’t keep your hands from shaking only proves my point. Limit yourself to 2-3 cups of coffee maximum and save that for Henderson’s free coffee that goes from 6pm-12am. After that, switch to an energizing tea or water.
I used to get really awesome variety packs of Zen tea bags from the grocery store that can help put you to sleep or keep you going throughout the day. Also, give your local tea shop a visit. The people that sell the stuff are experts on tea, so don’t be scared to ask for some good recommendations before you buy.
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UVM Program Board Fun
The University of Vermont is extra-friendly towards their students around this time of year, giving us lots of free food and services. Meaning, take a break and go enjoy yourself for a little bit (even if its just for ten minutes). The UVM Program Board has an entire string of events lined up just for students to come and relax. For example, this Sunday you can go decorate cookies and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Free cookies and a loads of Christmas cheer aren’t handed out like fliers now-a-days, so take advantage of it!
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Yoga Power!
UVM has a wide variety of physical fitness classes with great instructors to get you sweatier than ever. Try out the yoga classes that are offered to release tension from your muscles and you’ll keep your hot physique up. If you’re not a “yogie” then try out one of their other courses to ease your mind. One of my personal favorites is spinning since it gets all your frustrations out with each push of the pedal.
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Let Clorox and Christmas Lights Take Over Just Once
It doesn’t hurt to keep a clean room and some people even resort to it as a way to relax (which is beyond me). Go disinfect your room or hang up strings of Christmas lights to make yourself feel comfortable. An extra touch? Spray a warm scent of Febreeze, such as vanilla or pumpkin, to stir up those “there’s no place like home” feelings.
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Shake Hands With A Stranger
Go out and make a new friend! Its as simple as that, and with people who generally feel the same way as you do this time of year, it doesn’t hurt to help someone else out to relax. A nice conversation, even small talk, could easily lift someone’s spirits and put them in a better mood.
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Go For A Walk
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but there’s nothing a little fresh air can’t fix. And yes, do leave the debit cards and cash at home. We don’t need someone wandering into a bakery and losing themselves and their cash from stress eating.
Good luck to everyone with their finals!