With group study room reservations in full bloom and plenty of office hours in the forecast, it appears that midterm season is upon us (again). But have no fear during this treacherous season! This time we are throwing you a defense, so that no midterm wind, however strong, can knock you down.
What is this magical defense you ask? For the most part, it’s headgear; midterm season is all about keeping your head together, studying the way that works for you, and mashing those midterms like they’re potatoes. Here’s where we come in: whenever you feel like your head’s not in it, when you feel like throwing your books into the snow or out your window, just don’t. Try these tips first, pull yourself back together, and feel fresh going back to your books!
1. Take a nap. Power naps (approx. 20 minutes — no more, no less, because if you go any longer, you’ll end up just sleeping) are proven to work, and they are known to work magic.
2. Not into the power nap? Then power snooze (you’re not quick sleeping, but you’re not quite awake) with a playlist of your favorite songs on shuffle. Music has a way of putting us together—lie down, close your eyes, absorb your music, and get back to facing the day.Take a hot shower. Hot showers not only make you feel “new” again, but also fresh and revived.
3. Maybe stay in the shower a little bit longer than you’re used to—really feel the hot water roll off your back as you close your eyes. Of course, don’t stay in there until you prune — just long enough until you feel reset.
4. Go for a run or walk for 30 minutes. As Elle Woods (of Legally Blonde fame) once put it, “exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!” Plus, the fresh air is really good for clearing your mind. Don’t want to go outside? Go to the gym. Either way, you’ll leave feeling much better.
5. Speaking of fresh air though, try and go outside. You don’t need to exercise—just sit there. If it’s hot sit in the shade and read a book or people watch; if it’s cold, grab some coffee or tea and enjoy the brisk air while you do the same. Just getting away from the books, being outside, and changing scenery will make a huge difference.
6. Blast music in your room and sing to it. If you’re in the library, this doesn’t work very well for you. Letting out some belts isn’t just fun, it’s cathartic. If you don’t want to play music, just let out a couple of suppressed screams; make sure you don’t scare anyone though.
7. Treat yourself to a good meal. Not overly indulgent of course, but a light but tasty sandwich followed by a chocolate kiss should do the touch. Stuffing yourself with food will actually impede your concentration, so be careful.
8. Chew a piece of gum. Chewing gum not only makes your breath smell like desserts (if you’re into that kind of gum), but it also has been proven to decrease anxiety, improve concentration, and reduce stress.
9. Massage your muscles (or get someone to do it for you if you can!). If you’re stressed, chances are that you’re body is tense and not at its best, either. Relax the body; relax the mind.
10. Watch a viral video. “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain,” explains Mayo Clinic. Be careful with this one though, it’s meant to induce some laughs, not obsession. We all know how Youtube can suck you in and never let you go. Don’t let that happen. Sure maybe watch a couple of clicks to keep the laughter going, but give your self a video max (like 3 videos that are 3-4 minutes each).
Moral of the story, take a break. No matter how you do it, your brain needs a rest, and so do you. And don’t worry, that half an hour you spend recalibrating yourself won’t be time wasted. You’ll actually go back more concentrated so your studying will be more productive. Remember, don’t let your break go past a half an hour — then you’re just screwing around. Happy midterms!
Image courtesy of: Psynergy Wellness.