Being a student would be a life of bliss and sound sleep if it weren’t for professors’ incessant need to test us. It’s pretty much endless. If it’s not an assignment, it’s a lab, if not a lab a midterm, and if not a midterm, than, stock up your Redbull and ramen noodles…because it’s finals.
It’s not finals yet, so take solace in that, but that means its midterms. Unfortunately, midterms are just finals without the comforting knowledge that at the end of all the stress and all-nighters is summer. Without this incentive, it’s easy to become disheartened and unmotivated during midterms, but there is hope! What you need is a method of de-stressing, and I believe I have uncovered the best one: shopping.
Okay, maybe I haven’t ‘uncovered’ it. Shopping therapy isn’t wholly new and untrodden territory, but I think it’s time it resurfaces in a new light.
The first thing you might be thinking is, ‘I’m already behind enough, I don’t have time to stop and take a break!’, but this is where you’re wrong. Although stress can be a study-motivator for some, it’s important to take breaks and ‘indulge a little’ (see number 6 in ‘6 Ways to Destress During the End of the Semester’ here: http://www.hercampus.com/health/mental-health/6-ways-destress-during-end-semester?page=2), you’ll likely find that after a little break, you can look at material with new eyes and studying will actually be more productive.
The second thing you might be thinking is, ‘I’m a university student, I can’t afford to go on shopping sprees just to ease my stress!’, and while the first part is certainly true, the second is not! Yes we are all students and all on a budget, but shopping doesn’t have to ring up a crazy bill, as long as you’re strategic in picking what and where you shop. If you are careful, you might find yourself with a better wardrobe and a fuller make-up bag at the end of the semester, while hardly noticing a tightening of your purse strings. The first thing to consider is where you are going to shop. I’m not recommending Burberry or BCBG for a little light shopping therapy, but maybe try places like Forever 21 or H&M to get some great deals on fun accessories or basics like camis and tees.
The second thing to consider is what you are buying. To stay within your budget it might be best to avoid buying an evening dress or a pair of expensive shoes every time you start feeling the pinch. Maybe stick to a new shade of nail polish or an inexpensive pair of sunglasses (think Aldo not Fossil or Ray-Ban) or something that you need and know you will have to buy eventually anyway – like blue jeans or a work-appropriate top for the interview you have next week.
Also important is when you are buying. For example, it’s the time of year where spring collections start hitting the shelves, so it’s the perfect time to capitalize on winter sales. Boots, hats, scarves, gloves, anything wool or cozy looking is going for 30-70% off (in fact I just got a pair of amazing boots for a ridiculously low price last week).
So put down the books, take a breather, and head on over to the mall for a little shopping therapy, student style. Besides being able to enjoy the latest addition to your closet, you might feel a little refreshed, a little less stressed, and ready to hit the books and ace your midterms.
Photo Sources:
http://e-infopages.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Student-Stress.jpg
http://www.global-customer.com/images/fashion_Forever%2021/glogou_Forever%2021_fashion_6.jpg