10) Soak in Hot Water: Commonly used to cure sore muscles, hot water also does wonders on the psyche. Add some scented candles or essential oils such as lavender and chamomile. Turn on some quiet music, close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax.
9) Catch a Flick: Watching a movie is a great distraction, as you are momentarily transported into someone else’s life without having to worry about your own. Dim the lights and curl up with a fuzzy blanket to increase the relaxation level.
8) Just Breathe: Sometimes when we’re overworked, it feels like we forget to breathe. Take some time and sit in a dark, quiet room and practice meditation, or if that’s not your cup of tea, try doing some yoga. This ancient Asian exercise promotes not only good breathing techniques, but also flexibility and strength.
7) Drink To Your Heart’s Desire: We knew you were waiting for this one. This does not mean getting wasted. Wait until the weekend to drink that much. On the other hand, a bottle of beer or a couple shots can help you relax just when you think you’re going crazy. Invite some close friends over and forbid discussion of anything class- or midterm-related.
6) Let’s Get It On: Plan a romantic night with your significant other or simply invite yourself over to your favorite “friend’s” house. Sex has been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and relieve overall stress. Shutting yourself away from your special someone is the wrong thing to do when stress levels are heightened. Instead, get it on.
5) Break a Sweat: Take 20 minutes away from your heavily structured day to hit the gym, go for a run or even a fast-paced walk to improve your mood, lower your stress level and give you the self-esteem boost you need to ace that math midterm.
4) Practice Saying No: Sometimes you just can’t go that extra mile. Try cutting down social time with friends or planning non-class related meetings for some other time. You can only do so much.
3) Plan Ahead: Let yourself plan for the aftermath of a huge midterm. Whether it’s a coffee date with a friend or a huge Halloween party, give yourself something to look forward to.
2) It’s Called Time Management: As if we’re not already juggling enough activities in our day-to-day lives, midterms can often become all-consuming. It’s important to schedule at least a little “you” time. Even if you’re in the library for six hours, plan on giving yourself at least 20 minutes to relax before going to bed.
1) Think Positively: Don’t immediately think negatively. Try to avoid thoughts along the lines of “I’m never going to be able to pass this test.” Put on some pump-up music and change your thinking by adding a positive spin to everything midterm-related. When struggling with your workload, remember what Art Williams said: “All you can do is all you can do, but all you can is enough.”
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