Summer is almost here! The end to the 2016 spring term is finally in sight! As Wesleyan students, we have some of these thoughts running through our minds as the semester ends.
1. Summer is almost here! Finally, I can relax and get some much needed sleep!
2. Wait! Where did all this school work come from? I feel so far behind. I only have a month left to get my grades up.
3. Before I actually get to enjoy the summer, I still have to take finals. I know I have been in these classes all semester, but how much did I really absorb? I definitely do not think I am ready for this.
Some of you may already be having these thoughts, if not more. Overthinking about how much we have to accomplish before the summer makes us even more stressed out as college students, so instead of stressing, here are some ways to de-stress or to take some much needed you time before the semester ends.
Limit Study Hours
Only study for an hour at a time. Your brain can only handle so much, so if you study too long you will be more likely to get frustrated with yourself. After an hour of studying, you should take a 10–15 minute break. Scroll through social media or something else. Just get your head out of the book.
Take a Nap
Taking a nap refreshes the mind and will not only make you calmer, but it could open your mind to new thoughts and ideas. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep. Make sure to set an alarm!
Hang Out with Friends
Remember that one friend who has been nagging you to go out and do something fun? Just listen to them! Set some time aside for your friends every week, maybe a 15 minute conversation every evening or a couple of hours on Friday night. Take time for those you care about.
Make a List
Overthinking is a huge problem in everyday life. We tend to make things so much worse in our heads for no reason. Write down your activities and schoolwork for the week. Then when you finish an item, you can scratch it out and see the progress you are making. Using the list method will normally keep you from forgetting things. Take some time aside each week to organize, and you will for sure go into the week more confident.
Go Outside
With summer being so close, the weather is lovely. Take time to go outside and enjoy the nice weather that you have been waiting for. Get some exercise outside. Just going for a simple walk will keep you from becoming sedentary.
Plug in
Plug your headphones in and turn up the music! Music is extremely soothing, and it can affect your mood. Upbeat songs will most likely make your mood more positive and make you more motivated to complete your work. Don’t be afraid to get your groove on. Just try not to distract your roommate.
Not all of these work for everyone. Feel free to try and explore your own techniques of de-stressing. Take a moment to take your head out of the books every once in awhile. Enjoy what Wesleyan has to offer!
