Written by Bliss NW Bridal account team members, Taylor Lukkes, Kylie Foster, Jackie Mayol, Sarah Teller and Kate Templeton.
Are you currently running on less than 3 hours of sleep? Do you feel like literal coffee is coursing through your veins? Have you spent more time thinking about running away to Hawaii than your econ midterm? Although midterm season can be very stressful and you may feel as if you are all alone… you are not! There are many ways to ease your worries and to take care of yourself!
Here are some helpful tips we have come up with that we recommend you try around campus:
1) Stop by the Duck Nest:
Here at the University of Oregon, there is a student wellness center on campus that focuses on self care. It offers various workshops that focus on topics such as aromatherapy, eating healthy on a budget and anxiety management. Also, during midterms and finals weeks, it often offers free chair massages and therapy dog sessions. There is really no better way to take a break and escape the pressures of tough tests than a free massage and hanging out with a sweet dog! Check out its Facebook page for updated events!
2) Exercise:
It is not a secret that physical activity helps relieve stress and promote good mental health, so why not take advantage of the Student Recreation Center we have here on campus? Even if you do not have time for a full workout, that is ok! Just try to fit in at least 30 minutes of a light jog or walking to give you a break from those long hours of studying. They also offer a variety of group classes if you and a friend want to take a study break together!
Here is a link to the University’s Recreation Center: https://rec.uoregon.edu/
3) Sleep:
Sleep is the most important factor to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially for college students! Sleep deprivation can affect important aspects of your mind and body such as your mood, energy and ability to learn. In order to help your irregular sleeping patterns, consider:
- Sleeping only an hour longer during the weekend than your latest weekday wake up time
- Drinking no caffeine past 3 p.m.
- Stopping all technology use 30 minutes prior to bedtime!
4) Eat well:
We know it is easy to cave into the temptation of fast food and sugary drinks during a busy schedule, but we recommend always taking a break from studying to eat a healthy and well-balanced meal. It is important for your brain and your studying habits to help keep your body nourished and energized throughout the entire day. Most importantly, stay hydrated and snack smart! Try packing small portions of fruits and veggies to snack on, and drink at least eight 8 ounces of water a day!
5) Take Breaks to Refuel:
Although it may feel as though we need to study every second we get during this season, it is important to remember that your brain needs a break. After studying for hours, you might feel exhausted, so it is ok to reward your hard work with recovery breaks! Your study sessions will be much more productive when your brain has time to relax and recover. We suggest always taking a 15-30 minute study break!