Best ways to unwind
Exam period is just around the corner, and not only do we have to live in the library, but the stress, sleep deprivation and work overload can get overwhelming on so many levels. So, when at the end of each day, you come home feeling tired and anxious, the last thing you should be doing is trying to remember everything you learned that day.
It seems rather impossible, but unwind, relax, give your brain a break and a chance to absorb information. Here are some ideas that help me keep my sanity during this period.
Take a shower/bath
This is something so simple yet so effective. Lets be honest, there is nothing better than a hot relaxing shower on a cold autumn evening, which relaxes every muscle I our bodies. For me personally, feeling refreshed and clean is not just calming but also makes me feel like I washed away all of the baggage I was carrying on my chest throughout the day. And to the side all the hygienic benefits, showers are one of the healthiest things we could do for our minds.
Work out
Now, I know working out possibly sounds like the least appealing thing to do, being tired and all, but in my experience there is no better way to get the frustration out than by using it to run a mile or two. It makes you concentrate on what you are doing so much that it takes your mind of studying and is one of the reasons why working out feels so good once you’re done, since you allowed your mind to take a break and focuse the energy to something else.
Talk to people you love
Taking your time In the evening to talk to people you care about is so important, especially for internationals being away from their families and closest friends. They are the people who know you the best, and whether you seek advice or want just a quick catch up session, I guarantee you won’t regret devoting your time to it. A glimpse of the familiar surrounding which brings a feeling of safety with it is the best remedy, calming our nerves and reassuring us that everything will turn out fine.
Podcasts and audio books
Podcasts are not everyone’s cup of tea. And I will admit, it takes some getting use to such an approach and finding what type of podcast you like, but once you do I am sure you will get addicted. It is becoming more and more popular and it is very different from binge watching series or playing music. Each podcast has a story, whether it is a funny chat or a themed podcast, it is entertaining and makes you focus on listening to it so that your mind doesn’t have time to think about what you have to do the next day.
Audio books are a great way to get your dose of reading a book without actually doing so. Also it works like a background noise, a bedtime story you can fall asleep to.
Make a plan
Now this might contradict what I have written above, but some days I find it very helpful putting down on paper all my stress, making a plan of what is still left to be done, what I already went through and how am I going to organize a week. The feeling of having a structured study plan, an organized day ahead, gives you the sense of control over things, which can only make you less stressed, more determined to fulfill it and also a lot more confident in your studies.
We really hope you will take some of these tips into account, even though at the end of the day, the most important is what works for you. Good luck guyssss!
Written by Elena – PR Committee