Whether you’re a seasoned senior or a fledgling freshman, midterms can be pretty stressful. Here are some tips on how to wind down after acing your tests.
Catch up on sleep
This one may seem obvious, but it’s even more important after exams. If you’re guilty of late-night, caffeine-fueled cramming, you’re probably going to feel a little under the weather. With heightened stress and a lack of sleep causing a weakened immune response, midterms are just a cold waiting to happen. Once all is said and done, hit the hay a little early. Turn your phone off and maybe skip that party; you need your sleep to stay healthy.
Do something for yourself
After all the hard work you’ve put into studying and taking your midterms, there’s no shame in treating yourself. Maybe you want to get your nails done, buy something that would make you happy or go to a place that keeps popping up on everyone’s Instagram pages. You don’t have to break the bank; something as simple as going for a walk around a nature preserve or having a picnic can be rejuvenating.
“I always go to the beach,” said sophomore neuroscience major Shelbylayn Montilla. “We’re lucky enough to be only about 20 minutes away. That’s how I kind of reset my life.”
Whatever it is that will make you happy: go ahead and do it; you deserve it.
Spend time with friends
It’s no secret that between tests, cramming and writing papers, you’re lucky if you get in enough time to eat and sleep. Midterms don’t really spare a lot of time for being social outside of study groups. After everything is handed in, ask your group to hang out. It’s important to be social and have fun, especially after a lot of stress. Plan a fun outing, go out to dinner, watch a movie or just enjoy the company of your friends. Spending time with your pals is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself.
Burn off your stress
Physical health can be just as important as mental health. With the RecWell offering a wide variety of activities to partake in, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
“I usually take classes like yoga, or spinning or zumba,” said sophomore speech language pathology major Angela Merlino.
Exercising can lead to increased confidence, focus and self-esteem, which are just a few things that may need boosting after a long week of exams.
Be mindful
Lastly, be aware of yourself and how you feel. Don’t dwell on what you could’ve done or what you should’ve studied, but resolve yourself to prepare more next time. It’s not worth your energy to dwell on your performance or how you think you did; rather try conversing with your professor to get their advice for improvement. Overall, it’s important to take care of yourself. If you’re feeling a little more blue than normal, even after tests have passed, don’t hesitate to reach out and talk about it.
