De-Stressing in Midterm Season

Whether you’re finishing midterms just starting them or are already working on your final projects for the semester- this time of year can bring on a bit of stress as the year comes to a close. I just wanted to share a couple of techniques that might help you get through this time and any other time when things are getting to be a bit much.

Take a walk.

We are lucky here in housing to have the Fullerton Arboretum in our backyard, take a few minutes and enjoy a stroll!

Put the phone down.

Our world is so connected that sometimes it can be too much. Take some time to be without your phone. Read a book, talk to your roommate, or try journaling for five minutes. It could make a huge difference!

Practice mindfulness.

Taking a few moments to collect your thoughts and breathe can help you focus in on what is most important first and working through any and all situations that can arise during this time. Just find a quiet space or put your headphones in and close your eyes. Focus on breathing in and out in counts of 5 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5…). In and then out. Your mind will wander but try and center your focus on your breathing and nothing else. There are several free mindfulness meditations easily found on online; practicing mindfulness over time will make focusing much easier the next time!

Watch an episode of your favorite show.

If you are able to watch TV in your active room or on a laptop, this can also put your mind at ease. Keeping in mind that binge watching a show might not fit in to the time you have, you can spare the time to relax for 20-45 minutes and watch something. If you don’t have access to a streaming site, YouTube is chocked full of mini-series that can fulfill this time of relaxation too!

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Overall, remember to take time for yourself. Being a student is hard work and realizing that you need to take a few selfish moments here and there may be even harder but I encourage you to do it. Breathe, you got this!