In line with it being midterm season, I thought it would be appropriate to stress the importance of self-care. While I understand that your to-do list is miles long, I'm also fairly willing to bet at least $10 that you have 20 minutes to spare.
Yes, I realize that your chemistry midterm is worth 20% of your grade and I also realize that you want to do well and I fully support that. However, that extra amount of stress that inevitably creeps up on everyone, unfortunately, has a knack for growing exponentially when deadlines and exam dates get closer and closer. This is why I'm here to provide you with my three favorite ways to de-stress, all of which take 20 minutes, or less.
1. Painting or drawing
This is a personal favorite of mine. For those saying they "can't paint," yes, you can actually. You don't have to create masterpieces, in fact, I'd discourage you from that — unless you want to, of course. Rather, I'm advocating for simply covering a sheet of paper with a mesh of vibrant colors. If it turns out to be simply a unique combination of colors, perfect. I've found it rather therapeutic to mindlessly paint vibrant colors onto blank canvases (though sheets of paperwork just as nicely). (Personally, I've always enjoyed drawing in my free time ever since I could hold a pencil.) If you don't have paint, just doodling on a spare piece of paper works just as well.
2. Face masks
Typically the suggested amount of time you should leave them on is 10-20 minutes. The added bonus is that your skin will feel extremely soft after.
3. An episode of "Friends" or "The Office"
Laughing relieves stress, I promise. Personally, I prefer "Friends" on any given day, but if I really want to laugh (the kind of laugh where you sound like a suffocating seal and are tearing up), I'll choose "The Office." I'd recommend watching the fire drill episode of "The Office" for maximum laughter.
Please consider one of the above forms of stress relief or some other method of self-care you prefer. Take care of yourself. Yes, you can take 15 minutes for yourself. I promise. And even better, you'll probably be more productive after.
