We’re officially closing in on the final weeks of the semester! Can you believe it? After this one, we have just five more until classes are wrapped up. And as exciting as that is, it’s also that time in the semester, just after midterms, where you might be feeling a bit drained—like you need a little refresher to give you some extra oomph to last through finals. Here are some tips to give you the boost you need.
1) Enjoy scenic Idaho
For those of us who live in Idaho, we’re lucky to be surrounded by lovely trees, mountains, hot springs, and all kinds of other wondrous landmarks that we can enjoy whenever we please. But even if you’re remote this semester, explore the outdoors, take a walk, enjoy your local scenery, go for a drive. It can totally bring you to a beautifully peaceful headspace.
2) Have a technological detox
I don’t know about you, but sometimes just looking at my phone makes me stressed out. I see all of the to-dos, unread emails and reminders blinking at me and it just adds to the anxiety I already have on my shoulders. So if you can, try to make it a point to shut down your phone or put it away for a while. Even if it’s just for an hour or two. It feels good to focus on the here and now.
3) Immerse yourself in something creative
This could be a book, movie, or something that you can physically create by yourself. The idea is that you can get creatively lost in something for a while. With all the stresses of the day, you deserve to not think about your task list for a bit. Just make sure it’s something that really takes you to another place.
4) Hype yourself up!
This far along in the semester, it can be so easy to feel like things are honestly coming along at a snail’s pace. You might feel like you’re working a lot and forget how much you’ve actually accomplished. Sit down and write a list of all of the accomplishments you’ve achieved this semester. Another good idea is to write down everything that you’ve completed in a single day. I bet you’ll be shocked at just how much you truly do. Give yourself some recognition and celebration!
5) Give yourself a “me” night
When you’re used to working on something pretty much day and night, it can be easy to think that any spare moment you have needs to be filled with something work-related. Not true. Try to make a habit of freeing up at least one night per week (hopefully more!) to do everything you want to do, if for no other reason than it’ll make you feel good. Treat yourself to a hot bath, make yourself your favorite food, do whatever brings you joy. Label it as your “me” night because you’ve earned it.
5 1/2) Learn what self-care is really all about
Self-care can often be mistaken for self-pity or overindulgence, but it’s really about well-being, connecting with yourself, appreciating yourself, and restoration. Learn more about how you can get in the habit of it here:
