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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Western chapter.

With essays, assignments and exams on our doorsteps, most of us are feeling the strain. This is the time of year where campus starts to die down, the wind picks up and everything, even your skin, is some shade of grey. You look in the mirror and almost don’t recognize yourself because you have bags under your eyes that resemble the aftermath of Britney’s 2007 meltdown and sleep seems like a distant memory. But have no fear fellow students, like you I have essays breathing down my neck and I feel more and more exhausted everyday. But recently I have taken it upon myself to find the purpose behind everyday and everything that affects me. Whether it be finding the silver lining of a bad grade or smiling when I open my window and see there has been a torrential downpour of snow. It has been these 7 things that have saved me from self-pity and has allowed me to take on the month of November and all the other months for that matter, feeling positive and invigorated. 

  1. Have a glass of lemon water at least once a dayThis time of year is horrible for colds and flus. It seems that no matter what you do you always seem to get one or the other. Having a glass of cool lemon water, preferably in the AM works wonders on your body. The water and lemon work together to invigorate your system with a healthy dose of vitamins that flush toxins out of your body and enables it to function with efficiency. 
  2. Mediate/deep breathsThe power of a deep breath cannot be emphasized enough. I get that not everyone has time to set aside an hour to do yoga or just don’t think meditation is for them, which is fine but if you cannot find the time to sit and breathe at least walk and breathe. Taking one deep breath can help reset your mind when studying and keep your senses sharp when writing your finals. By inhaling deeply it gives your body the ability to pause and energize even for a few moments. Oxygen is delivered to your body and like lemon water, allows for your mind and body to function efficiently.  
  3. ShowersAh, the shower. One of the world’s best places as it compromises the peace of a bath and the heat of a bed. A quick shower revitalizes the body and gives you those precious moments of soul searching that seem to happen in there even if you’re not trying. Those magical ten minutes of peace allow for clarity, which is exactly what you need for these tough weeks. 
  4. Reward yourselfI have found studying for endless hours is horrible and at the end of it all I just want to lie down for a while. Having a nap, watching a TV show, working out, whatever makes your body happy, do that. My reward is Grey’s Anatomy and it makes coming home from writing an essay at Weldon special as I feel I’ve earned the precious 45 minutes of medical drama. Find what makes your soul happy and remember to do that or some moderation of that, everyday.  
  5. LaughMake yourself laugh! Watch funny videos, read a joke, or watch a funny movie. Anything that makes you cry, you are laughing so hard. Even if it’s trivial, the hormones that laughter releases can really change the course of your thinking and you’ll likely have a clearer mind and be able to sleep better by physically releasing the stress on your body without putting stress on your muscles, like doing a full work out would (not that working out is a bad idea, it’s not, but not everyone finds “lifting” to be the miracle drug of stress). But whether you laugh on your way to the gym, laugh at yourself or laugh at “cats in tights” just remember to enjoy it and feel the power of happiness flow through your body. 

     

  6. Go to bed whenever you want Sleep will only help you. All of those all-nighters are a waste of your time. Have a nap, wake up at noon or go to bed at 8pm, no one controls your body other than you and if you are tired, your body is telling you it needs to rejuvenate.  With that said, do not sleep to procrastinate. Sleep is supposed to help stress and not prolong it. Get your work done and get some sleep. It’s all about time management.  
  7. Clean I’m definitely not the neatest person you’ll ever encounter but I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m a slob.  I do leave my clothes on the floor and my bathroom sink is orange from my bronzer but that’s just me.  On those days were I am searching for clarity when writing a paper or am trying to cram for an exam a mess is something I cannot handle. Cleaning is oddly therapeutic and it has been proven that a cluttered workspace makes for a cluttered mind. Even when you’re not working on an assignment and you’ve just had a crappy day, cleaning can release endorphins that elevate your mood by getting your blood circulating.  I know it seems ironic that to invigorate your soul you spray toxic chemicals into the air but there is something about “Lysol-ing” your entire kitchen that sets things in the right place.
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Hi! I'm Emily. Current fourth year student at UWO earning my degree in English Language and Literature. I can make up a metaphor for almost anything and can also often be found Pinteresting. A lover of literature, fashion and my cat, Audrey.
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Alexie is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario where she majored in English and minored in both Writing and Anthropology. She is now a graduate student at Western, where she is completing a Masters of Media in Journalism and Communications. Reality TV junkie and social media addict (follow her on instagram: @alexie_elisa and twitter: @AlexieRE_Evans), Alexie is ecstatic to be on the alum team of HC Western Ontario after loving being the campus correpondent in her undergrad!