"It's the most beautiful time of year," or at least that is what is said to be true in countless holiday hit classics. And it is a glorious time filled with family, friends, giving, memories and traditions, and sprinklily treats. And all of these things apply to everyone who chooses to participate in the warm holiday feelings - or so I thought. This year I am learning how utterly ridiculous and how forgotten the holiday season is. It is supposed to be this wonderful, relaxed time cuddled up next to a fire, but the reality is that every college student and numerous high schools students included, have multiple exams, papers, finals, and projects. All of these tasks cause the largest amount of stress ever recorded in history. Maybe I am being over-the-top, but it is disappointing only getting to celebrate "the holiday season" for a couple of days prior to Christmas. And it is even worse for those who celebrate Hanukkah. They are always in school during their holiday season.
But lets face it, things are going to change out of nowhere. There has to be final exams at the end of each semester, and it just happens to end the week before Christmas. When we grow-up and enter the "real-world" we will have to work days and possibly holidays that we don't necessarily want to. But, we just have to put a smile on our face and charge forward with everything we do. Because there is no avoiding it all, here are a few ways to keep your sanity inline and relieve some of the stress that builds-up.
1. Go for a drive.
This is one of the absolute most therapeutic things to do. Go by yourself, go with a friend, it does not matter. Just get in the car and drive. It helps me drown out the noise and find air from the clutter. Music is an option. Some days the radio needs to be on and on loud, very loud. Other days it does not matter whether it is turn up to the max or silenced, all you can hear is thoughts. Taking a ten minute car ride is sometimes the best break you can take.
2. Go for a run or work out.
Sometimes it seems like the last thing you want to do. You are already up to your ears in work, how could you possibly afford to take time out of your day to go to the gym? Trust me, you will find twenty to thirty minutes in any given day to break a quick sweat. It is scientifically proven to reduce stress. Running takes your mind off the obligations, or it gives you time away from them to possibly help refocus yourself on them.
3. Treat yourself.
Flip your phone over and put it away. Tell yourself that you have to work on this paper or study this subject for an hour before you can click your Facebook tab. Making yourself work on something and knowing you have a specific amount of time or pages to reach can help motivate yourself.
4. This goes along with treating yourself, but instead of using a social media or texting motivator, use your friends as motivation.
Tell yourself to work all day without taking as many breaks, so then in the evening you can allow yourself a little longer break and relax with your pals for awhile. This way you also do not become utterly miserable and completely engulfed in your school work. Happiness is the key to all success in the long haul.
Hopefully these short little tricks can help you power through finals season and land you pretty into the holiday one soon enough. Happy study days! #goodluck #youcandothis
