Taking care of your mind and body should always be your priority. As a UW-Madison student, I understand the pressure and heavy workload that comes with finals, and how quickly self-care can seem like a luxury. However, I’ve found that the best way to retain information and stay motivated is to give your brain a break. Here are some things I do to take care of myself on a student budget:
Go for a walk
Getting your body moving is an amazing and effective way to utilize a study break. Often, I find myself glued to a chair for hours at a time, and a quick walk around Memorial Library always makes for a good reset, especially with the cold air. It’s a chance for a change in scenery, a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that there is life outside of the cages.
Get a good night’s sleep
I know more than anyone how tempting it is to pull an all-nighter and get those assignments done, but without a good night’s sleep, you won’t be able to retain any of that information. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep helps you think more clearly, reduce stress, and improve your mood. That being said, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done, so here are some tips:
- Avoid looking at screens for at least a half hour before sleeping.
- Use that extra time to unwind and develop a bedtime routine.
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol 2 hours before bed.
- Be consistent with your bedtime.
- Limit naps throughout the day.
- Be active throughout the day.
Listen to music
For all my music lovers, taking a moment to play some of your favorite songs or have a lo-fi playlist in the background can help immensely. Music can have a huge impact on your mood so listening to upbeat music for a mood boost, lo-fi to relax, or whatever music hypes you up can set the tone for the study session. Check out the playlists our team has put together for some inspiration here.
Journal
Getting caught up in the tide of school and work can oftentimes result in neglecting your wellbeing. I find it relaxing and affirming to take time at the end of the day to reflect on how you’re feeling and what’s going through your head. It’s a chance to organize your thoughts and maybe even write out that email you’ll never actually send to your econ professor.
Exercise
When going through long study sessions, I find myself getting either overwhelmed or becoming under-stimulated. A great way to combat this is quick exercise, whether a walk around the block or a trip to the gym, getting your body moving and blood flowing will help clear up the fog. If you plan to dive back into the books after the gym, remember to take it easy on the weights. If you stress your body too much, you may not have enough energy to continue working out your brain.
Light a candle
Find a candle with a scent you like and light that thing up. Scented candles play a role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, work capacity, and overall mental health. They create a soothing atmosphere and can help boost your mood while soothing anxiety and relieving stress.
Declutter
When life gets hectic, our living spaces tend to reflect our mental state. Coming home to clutter can put us in a state of even more stress or worry. To allow for some peace of mind, reorganizing can relieve the anxiety of more clutter accumulating and help you feel more clean and calm.
Say no
As hard as it can be to say no to friends, family, and employers, it can make the difference between being crunched for time and having space for yourself. If you find yourself pressed for time or feeling burnt out, it may be best to prioritize your tasks and wellbeing before assisting anyone else or adding more to the list.