It is only the second week of classes and midterm projects are already looming overhead for many college students. I get it. After a long day of classes, the last thing that you want to do is more work. I have five tips to stay as happy, productive and relaxed as possible when tackling coursework at the end of a long and cumbersome day.
1. Clean environment.
In my mind, a tidy workplace equivocates to a productive headspace. If your desk is located in your bedroom try making your bed and tidying up prior to doing your work. The act of picking up alone might even kick you into a productive mood. You should try to keep your work area clean in order to minimize additional stress that can be brought on by a cluttered environment.
2. Ambiance.
Make doing your coursework not seem as daunting by making your work time seem pampering and indulgent. You should try to take advantage of any natural light that the room can produce. I usually turn on my salt lamp and Christmas lights and light an aroma-therapeutic candle. Aromatherapy has been known to offer health benefits such as reducing anxiety, easing depression and boosting energy levels. Bath & Body Works offers a line of aroma-therapeutic candles for energy and relaxation. My favorites include: eucalyptus tea, orange ginger and eucalyptus spearmint.
3. Music.
I usually alternate between music that is either going to energize or relax me when I am doing coursework. If you are working on a paper late into the night, you are going to want something that is going to keep you awake and productive. If you are studying for an exam, opt for some chill-step, acoustic tracks or classical music.
4. Heating pad.
For those of us who cannot afford fancy heated massage chairs, acupuncture and spa days, using a heating pad on your back can be like the hug you have needed all day. Heating pads can provide a certain degree of pain relief and tension alleviation from the muscles. For students who sit through long lectures, hunched over taking notes by day and writing essays at their desks by night, heating pads are a cheaper alternative to help you loosen up at bit.
5. Give yourself breaks.
You deserve it! Rest assured that your hard work will pay off! It is important that you eat three full meals a day. One of the worst things you can do is work on an empty stomach because, chances are, you will not be producing your best work. Try to take 30-minute breaks in between assignments — maybe to do yoga, have a snack or play a video game. Make sure that you make time in your busy schedule to hang out with friends at some point during the day.
When all else fails... Take a nap.
