When Midterms Strike: Self-Care

These past few weeks may have been a little crazy for everyone. Whether it's dealing with midterms and papers or job applications and interviews, we could all use a little extra time in our schedule to catch a quick breather. Through all the deadlines, projects, and work we have all been subjected to the past few weeks, we often forget to set aside time for ourselves to practice self-care.

As mentioned in a previous post written last year by alum Kelly Vieria, self-care is extremely important as a part of your regular routine, especially when you are navigating through an especially stressful and tiring mid-term season. Taking steps to take care of your body physically and mentally is key, not only for increasing the chances of doing well on your midterms, but also for increasing the probability that you keep your sanity. In this post I will offer some simple suggestions that can easily be a part of everyone's routine to practicing healthy habits in stressful periods. Also included are productivity tips to help motivate and inspire the masses (hopefully) for a successful midterm season. I know you are probably reading all of our blog posts instead of studying for that midterm, but after this post you might reconsider! (Though we do appreciate the page views)

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Catch some ZZZs
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep!! It may seem like you don't have any time to do this, but you definitely do. Making sure you get those 8 hours of sleep will not only make you more productive, but will make you feel better and more likely to remember all that information you are trying to process and cram into your brain. I know the struggle of getting a good night's sleep. I always get distracted by my phone, laptop, or just hanging with my roommates. It might be tough to self-enforce a bed time, but trust me, a regular time is useful. According to a 2011 study college students are the most sleep-deprived people in the country. Here are some obstacles that might be making it difficult for you to sleep:

1. Screen to Face- Looking at a computer/phone screen when you go to sleep may be the reason that you can't fall asleep at night!
2. Inconsistent Sleep Patterns- Make sure you have a consistent routine. Daylight Savings just gave us an extra hour this past weekend, so make the most of it by resetting your circadian rhythm!
3. Late Night Caffeine- Coffee works wonders, but isn't great for good sleep hygiene. Don't have caffeine too close to bedtime, or you'll definitely have a hard time falling asleep.

Food, comida, la nourriture!
Food is where we get our brain fuel. You want to make sure that you are supplying your body with the proper nutrients and vitamins to ensure that your body is in tip top shape. When your body is especially stressed be sure to try and remain as healthy and hydrated as possible. At your favorite study spot be sure to have a water bottle with you and great study snacks. Here are some foods that are great study snacks according to BBC Global:

1. Whole Grains- healthy carbs with low GI, keeps you alert with energy throughout the day
2. Fish- Omega-3 fats are good for brain function! (shout out to Bio 13)
3. Blueberry-Evidence from a study at Tufts that blueberries help with short term memory
4. Broccoli- Good source of Vitamin K to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower

"Me Time"
Whenever I hear "Me time" I flashback to preschool, when my parents would recommend that I have some "Me time" after having too much sugar (or getting in fights with my sister in the car when she would look out the window on my side - no jokes here, this was a serious issue). "Me time" is great, whether it be reading a book, catching up on your favorite TV show, exercising, or just hanging out with friends. It's always good to take a break from studying, to let yourself relax between intense study sessions. This study by MIT suggests that you take a break every 20 minutes to optimize productivity. It's important to figure out what works for you, everyone's work and productivity habits are different. However, taking breaks is very different from procrastinating, which I will address in the next section.

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Self-Control Apps
Becoming a victim of procrastination is pretty easy in college. It seems there is a never ending list of potential distractions, especially since we can access internet on our phones and laptops so easily (Hello 21st century!). The first step with anything is accepting that you have a problem. If you go into the library and come out with just your heading for your 25-page paper, then you, my friend, have a problem. The first steps towards beating procrastination is acknowledging that you are indeed procrastinating (aka Acceptance). Using online self control apps are great for reminding yourself how much time you put aside for "doing". Here is my favorite Self Control App, which blocks my access to certain sites on my computer for a set time period. This is great for managing your breaks as well, as you get rewarded when the block is lifted. Self-discipline, people!

Remember, everyone, to take a breather when you need to! College is stressful and it's always important to step back and smell the roses (or foliage). Hope everyone is enjoying Fall and had a great Halloween weekend!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016