50 Things to Do When Midterms Are Stressing You Out

In honor of midterm season, I compiled a list of 50 activities to do when you are feeling stressed. But first, a disclaimer: everyone practices self-care differently, and it is important to find what best works for you. These examples are only suggestions of activities and practices that have helped me feel less overwhelmed lately.

1. Do an online kickboxing/workout video (I like this one by Sydney Cummings)

2. Bake some cookies (or a different treat you enjoy!)

3. Stretch

4. Go for a walk or bike ride

5. Facetime a friend

6. Call your family

7. Water your plants (if you have any)

8. Give yourself an at-home pedicure

9. Go to the campus arboretum and watch the ducks (if you are in Davis)

10. Try some deep breathing exercises (or just take some deep breaths)

11. Take a nap

12. Write someone a letter (and then support the USPS by buying stamps!)

13. Paint a picture

14. Watch a show or movie you love

15. Look through photos of happy memories

16. Cook an extra fancy meal (and maybe try a new recipe?)

17. Go to bed a little early

18. Watch the sunset

19. Meditate (check out some simple free guided meditations here!)

20. Listen to music

21. Watch all the videos you saved on Instagram to watch later

22. Dress up for no reason

23. Go get your mail and look through it

24. Dance

25. Visit the cows (if you are in Davis)

26. Hike somewhere new

27. Embroider something (this also helps upcycle old clothes!)

28. Write in your journal (or start a journal)

29. Wash your face and moisturize (or whatever you do to give your skin some TLC)

30. Play an instrument

31. Look at the stars

32. Punch your pillow (you might want to be alone for this one…)

33. Organize your workspace

34. Go on a picnic

35. Put away your phone and screens for an hour

36. Play an online game with your pals (like Among Us or colonist.io)

37. Go birdwatching

38. Make a list of everything you are grateful for

39. Doodle

40. Find some grass and lay in it and look at the sky

41. Plan out your schedule for the week (or your budget)

42. Write down your goals

43. Look at pictures of cute animals online

44. Play tennis or frisbee with a friend (socially distanced of course)

45. Read a book that is unrelated to school 

46. Go for a run (or, if you are like me and hate running, a slow jog)

47. Close your eyes and slowly count to 30 

48. Fold your laundry and watch TV

49. Go to the farmers market 

50. Drink a glass of water (I like to put frozen fruit in my water for extra *flavor*) ​

Mental health is extremely important, but it can be difficult to take the time to de-stress, especially when you are worried about deadlines and your schedule is packed. I often find myself feeling worried when I take a break because I feel like I should be doing something productive. However, I have been trying to remind myself that self-care can be small, simple practices and it is never a waste of time. In fact, you deserve to take care of yourself. In the end, your mental well-being will always be more important than any grade on any midterm. ​

• de-stress
• mental health
• midterms
• self-care
• stress