By Samantha Simmons | October 11, 2021
Credit: Creative Commons
Midterm week is fast approaching here at UAlbany. With deadlines approaching, it is important to keep your well-being in mind alongside your grades, social life, and extracurriculars.
Here is a provisional list of ways to deal with stress:
Set a block of time aside for “me-time” every few days (scrolling on TikTok or Instagram in-between study guides doesn’t count).
Take time to study and put your phone away to decompress from the toil of schoolwork. During this time, you can do self-care-related things like cleaning your dorm room, doing the skincare you have been putting off, or simply relaxing with the idea that this is your time and you deserve to take the break.
Go outside:
This may seem silly, but going on a walk with no destination in mind is one of the best ways to get your mind to relax. Listen to your favorite music, a podcast, or whatever it may be that you like, and get moving. As they say, movement is the best medicine.
Go get your favorite meal:
Many students here at UAlbany live on campus and are away from their parents’ or loved ones’ home-cooked meals. There are many wonderful places to get your favorite comfort food. A crowd favorite on Broadway is Druthers Brewing Company. They may or may not have the best restaurant-style mac and cheese in the area.
Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep:
Getting enough sleep is just as important as studying. Sleep will be your best friend when trying to rest from a long and stressful day of studying and classes. According to the National Health Services, if you’re not getting enough sleep, you could be experiencing brain fog, mood swings, and fatigue. They continued that one good-night’s sleep won’t recover you from lots of lost sleep, it could take several weeks to recover. Get sleeping!
Drink water:
Refill your Brita! Or any water bottle/ container you use. It is important to stay hydrated to keep your body functioning properly. According to the CDC, consuming enough water can help with the lubrication of your joints and help your body maintain homeostasis. You can tell you’re dehydrated if you feel sluggish, you’re running a fever, or are thirstier than normal.
And finally, make time to see friends:
The social aspect of being a student can sometimes be hard to balance. “Should I stay in and study or go enjoy myself with my friends?” While a night in might be better for your grades, the occasional night out might be just what you need. Sometimes you need to let loose and have fun. Just remember to be safe in all senses of the word.