Top 15 self-care ideas for after midterms
1. Face Masks
Treat your face well and counter the stress-acne with something that will leave you looking like you didn’t just start working last night on that paper you turned in today.
2. Heating Pad/ Heated Blanket
It’s getting cooler out. Bundle up and stay cozy. Game of Thrones is over, but winter is still coming, y’all.
3. Stretch
Get your yoga on. Or at least stand up and try to stretch every once in a while. You’re worth the effort and your muscles will thank you for it.
4. Fresh Air
Spend some time outside. There are a lot of options here: take a walk, have a picnic, take a survey of the squirrels in the quad, ride those awful scooters.
5. Exercise
Walking across campus doesn’t count! Play a sport with your friends, visit the pool, chase people who ride those awful scooters, whatever it takes to get your heart rate up!
6. Watch a Movie
It’s October, find a horror movie and invite your friends over. It’s easier to pretend like you aren’t scared when there are other people around.
7. Eat Ice Cream or candy
There’s a reason that characters in movies eat ice cream when they’re depressed. It’s because ice cream is good and eating it makes you feel good (as long as you aren’t lactose intolerant). So eat something sweet and trade stress for delicious calories.
8. Read a Book (For Fun)
Remember enjoying books? The fun ones are still waiting for you. Just make sure you don’t fall behind on your class reading.
9. Cook a Meal
Real food, not just Mac and Cheese out of a box. I know you can make better food than the cafeteria. Now you just gotta believe in yourself. And maybe follow a recipe.
10. Meditation
Make time for mindfulness. Check in with yourself regularly and you’ll be a better person for it.
11. Schedule a Therapy Session
Our therapy center is located in the B&E building and they offer free counseling services for students. They’re waiting to hear from you.
12. Draw a Picture
Even if you aren’t good at drawing it can still be a lot of fun. Remember it’s supposed to be relaxing, so don’t be too harsh on yourself
13. Talk to Friends
The people around you in your classes have also been stressing about midterms. Commiserate with each other but don’t use the word “commiserate” with each other. Everyone’s brain is too fried for words like that.
14. Play with your pet
Or someone else’s. Playing with animals triggers the release of oxytocin in your brain. It’s good for you and who doesn’t love animals?
15. Soothing Playlist
Put on something chill and forget about that test you just took. You probably did fine, so refresh your mind and maybe you’ll finally be ready to tackle some dorm-care habits next.
