After a couple of stress-induced, sleep deprived weeks, it is a relief to college students everywhere to know that midterms are finally coming to an end.
In order to regulate our sleep schedules and become more in tune with what our bodies need, it is a good idea to give ourselves a well-deserved break by indulging in some self care to wind down. If you can’t think of any ways to start at the moment, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are five ways help you de-stress and get back to the old you, post midterm madness.
1. Take a Nice Shower
Yup, that’s right. One of the most relaxing things to do after a long day is to take a nice warm, soapy shower. It also helps if you put on your favorite playlist, too. Spend as much time as you’d like in the warm water. I’ve learned that the longer the shower, the more calm I feel. Try not to focus on anything except the sound of the water, or the words to the music that you choose to play. It’s a calming technique that helps you stay in the moment, and can also help with anxiety. All of this while getting you clean.
2. Eat your favorite food
Another great way to treat yourself is through food. Craving a cookie? Go for it. Some pizza? Even better. Treating ourselves to our favorite foods – alone or with friends – is a much needed activity, and it’s something that we shouldn’t feel guilty about. So go ahead and reach for that tub of ice cream, you deserve it. Never feel badly about eating something that’s not exactly healthy, if it makes you happy, then you have the right to enjoy it.
3. Go out with friends
It doesn’t have to be anything special, you could go to the park, go out to eat, or just hang out at someone’s apartment. As long as you’re with good company, it’ll always be a good time. Reinforcing social interaction with others after a hard couple of weeks of secluding yourself to studying and only thinking about schoolwork can become draining. Having friends around to shift the focus to something more lighthearted is a surefire way to get some laughs in and relax a little more.
4. Watch your favorite movie or TV show
Set some time aside during your day (or night) to watch a good movie or TV series. It can help ease your mind while you separate yourself from the real world for just a short amount of time and sit back with a good show. Again, you deserve to enjoy yourself after a stressful week of studying, so go ahead and surf through Netflix or Hulu.
5. Sleep
Sleep is really, really important. We can’t function to our full capacity without having an adequate amount of rest. So, if you found yourself pulling all-nighters, or staying up way later than you normally would, then it’s time for a well-deserved nap. I promise you’ll feel refreshed when you wake up, plus it is always good to try and establish a normal sleep schedule as best as you can.
Of course there are many, many more activities you could do to wind down after midterms, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Bottom line is, you put your mind and your body through a lot these past couple of weeks, so it’s time to give a congratulatory pat on the back and a little treat as well!