Midterms are coming, or maybe you've already taken a few.
Either way, it's hard.
You're probably studying for a ridiculous amount of hours and let's be honest, it is mentally exhausting. While your grades are important, it also is important to remember that your health must always come first no matter what. With all of the deadlines, it's easy to forget the little things like eating and sleeping that will actually improve your test scores.
So, here are a few reminders and tips to put yourself first this midterm season.
1. Play some games
My roommate and I love to play games. We dedicate Wednesday nights as game night and just sit on the floor a play card games or board games. Not only is a game night a stress reliever, but it's also an incentive to get done all of your assignments without procrastinating.
2. Give yourself time to sleep
Seriously sleep. Try to get at least six hours of sleep or eight if you can every night. You will be so much more alert when you're studying and taking those midterms.
3. Read something you weren't assigned to read
Now, reading something might seem like a waste of time or boring, but reading something you're actually interested in will help you to clear your mind. Whether it's a book, newspaper, or online article, reading something that you're not assigned will give you a moment to regroup before diving into your next assignment.
4. Call your family
Your family will really appreciate your call home and you will too. When I get stressed or overloaded, I like to call my family to just talk about my day or their day and really get my mind off of whatever difficulty I might be dealing.
5. Put down your work for just 5 minutes
Like everything else on this list, taking a break is the perfect way to clear your mind. We all know that feeling of reading our textbooks and not actually knowing what we're reading. This is a sign that you should probably take a break. Walk away from your desk or the table, and just take a moment before getting back to work.
6. Don't forget to eat
I know it sounds like a weird thing to forget, but it happens. Make sure that even in those late nights of studying, you're eating something.
7. Let yourself relax
Simply put, self-care will always come down to just relaxing. There are so many things you can do like a face mask, drawing, or reading, but at the end of the day just relaxing will help you beyond belief.
Take a deep breath. You've got this.
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