We’re in the final stretch of classes; I can almost see the light at the end of exams! However, studying and final papers or projects can stress you out a lot, making it harder for you to sleep and retain the information you’re studying or writing about. One of the best ways to ease this stress is by taking a break! Here are ten tips on fun or relaxing things to do while taking a break.
Tip #1: Watch a movie or TV show with friends. Chill out for a while and enjoy a funny or relaxing story to take your mind off your work. If you have the time, try and catch a movie at the Vogue and eat some deliciously buttered popcorn while enjoying the fun full movie experience! This will take you out of study mode for a full two hours and give you a deserved break.
Tip #2: Go skating! The rink is now open for free skates Monday to Thursday from 12 to 1:30! So sharpen your skates and hit the ice for a relaxing and refreshing break. The cool air will revive you and it will distract you from the studying. Another bonus is that you can spend any amount of time on the ice, from fifteen min to an hour and a half. So you can decide how long you stay depending on your schedule.
Tip #3: Play a boardgame! Call up some friends or yell down the hall and gather for an hour of fun and laughter. It’s an easy distraction that doesn’t require too much thinking so it will give your brain a good rest. Plus, it can be organized and played quickly so you don’t take too much time out of your study schedule.
Tip #4: Go to Bridge Street Cafe for a cup of tea or to Mel’s for a milkshake. The walk there will refresh you and the drink will give you some energy. Bring a book if you need to, or a friend for a half hour of pleasant company before putting your nose back to the grindstone.
Tip #5: Go to the gym. Despite many people thinking they don’t have time for the gym during this busy season, it’s one of the best things you can do and one of the best breaks you can take from working and studying. Exercising will help lower your stress levels and if you bring something to listen to. The music will keep your mind off of everything, but the cute boy or girl over in the corner. Depending on how much time you have, stay at the gym between twenty min or an hour. Think you don’t have time to walk to and from the gym and then work out for thirty min on top of that? Then just go for a walk around town as exercise. Trust me; your body will thank you.
Tip #6: Hit up Sassy’s! A short break that is rewarded with candy... always fun! Got a craving for something sweet? A few five-cent candies will do the trick. The walk over, topped off by the yummy candy, will succeed in taking your mind off the craziness of exam prep. Remember not to buy too much candy though! Too much sugar will give you a sugar rush for a while, but cause you to feel even more run down at the end of the day.
Tip #7: Get out of the house or at least your room. Studying in one place for hours on end can be tedious. You need a change of scenery and some fresh air! Walk down the hall to talk to some friends or change study locations. The change may help you to study better in the long run.
Tip #8: Go outside. Go for a leisurely walk through the Waterfowl Park or visit the Swan Pond and walk over the bridge that goes nowhere. The fresh air and exercise will help you to feel better and if you bring company, you can enjoy some conversation while walking too.
Tip #9: Take a shower. Taking a quick shower can help to wake you up after hours of studying. Don’t make it too hot because that might make you feel sleepy, but a cool shower will help wake you up and reenergize you for another couple hours of work. It is the perfect fifteen minute break in between studying.
Tip #10: Laugh, because laughter is the best medicine. Go find a friend to share some stories or watch a comedic TV show. Laughing helps you to relieve stress and will distract you, plus it is fun!
Pick a few of these tips and take a break! Taking a break will help you to study and work better and more efficiently in the long run. Good luck studying everyone!