Midterm Destress
BY pooja ANand
How is it midterm season already? I feel like we just started spring semester! I blame it on virtual classes for messing with my sense of time. Anyways, I know midterm season can be extremely stressful, especially with added stressors, such as recruiting. I always find myself trying harder or doing more work when I’m tired to keep up the momentum, but it’s so important to take time to rest, relax, and reset. I personally find myself feeling guilty when I take a day off because I feel like I’m not “doing enough,” but taking time off can make you more productive and help you avoid burnout. With all the stress surrounding school, giving yourself time off and practicing self-care is one of the best ways to take care of yourself and practice self-love.
I hope you all are taking some time for yourselves during this midterm season. Here are some ways to destress:
Go Outdoors
Being outside is one of the best ways to relieve stress! Going on walks helps me clear my mind and get in some exercise. I’m still at home, so I’ve been able to go to local parks and walk around my neighborhood. There’s something so relaxing about being surrounded by nature. If you’re in NYC, try walking to somewhere you haven’t been before or the Hudson River Park and the High Line.
Movie Night
Pick out your favorite movie (or a new one!), make some popcorn, put on your favorite comfy clothes, and have a relaxing movie night! I always find that watching a show or a movie helps me take my mind off school and work because I’m fully concentrating on something else. Movie nights are great to do solo or with friends virtually (or in person if you’re following COVID safety measures).
FaceTime a Friend
Talking to a friend always makes me feel lighter and happier! It’s especially important to check in on friends during midterm season because they’re likely also experiencing stress and need a break. FaceTime is a great option if you’re not in the same place, but if you both happen to be in NYC, try going on a walk together or grabbing coffee! Seeing your friends in person is always better!
Cook/Order Your Favorite Meal
If you love food like I do, this activity is for you! Treating yourself to your favorite food is one my favorite forms of self-care. I personally find cooking relaxing, so I would enjoy making myself a home-cooked meal. This option is also probably cheaper (depending on what you’re making). If you find cooking stressful, you could always order takeout from your favorite restaurant. If you want to try a new restaurant, look out for restaurant recommendations in USWIB instagram takeovers!
Self-Care Night
Spend a night trying out a new skincare routine, journaling, or whatever you enjoy! Everyone has their own ways of practicing self-care, so this destressing activity is pretty open-ended. One of the things I try to keep in mind is to control my thoughts because I find myself thinking about school or other things that make me stressed while I’m trying to relax, which makes the whole experience unproductive. Try to really take your mind off stress-inducing topics and enjoy the moment.
I hope these ideas were helpful and inspire you to take the time to relax during midterm season. If you need someone to talk to, people in USWIB are always open. And if you feel like you might need additional support, NYU offers several wellness resources:
