There’s a whole
lot of energy spent on exams – so much so that a lot of us experience an energy
slump for a t least a month afterwards. Plus, if you’re anything like me you’re
also repressing fearful thoughts of what those upcoming grades are going to be
like. Sometimes, no matter how hard you work the idea it may not pay off just
won’t leave you alone. So here’s five things you can do to help push past that
time until after the grade release (When you can really relax).
1. Sleep and watch movies
Obviously this
activity has to feature on the list. There’s no better way to take your mind
off something than laying, curled up in bed mindlessly whiling away hours
watching youtube videos. I certainly have lost two or three Saturdays in the
exam break just sitting in bed all day and enjoying the hallmark channel.
This can help
you feel well rested – and really happy. After all that studying before the
exam it’s a definite that you missed out on some awesome blockbusters (all the
good things seem to come out while you’re busy!). Plus you can scroll through
Netflix to find your next tv series binge
- and get halfway through it before you have to go out and be productive
again.
2. Exercise and eat healthy
I know this is
probably the most boring thing on the list – but please don’t let after the
exam break be your excuse to cram yourself full of sugar. It only takes a
simple google search to see all the medical evidence that shows you that
unhealthy eating is linked to an unhealthy and unhappy mind. There are strong
links between salt, sugar and depression, so unless you really want to fight
the emotional slump this holidays keep your unhealthy eating in check and
instead indulge in some of these delicious, healthy treats.
3. Plan social and work activities
Keep yourself
busy and out of the bed (for a little while anyway) with a few well planned
events. Catch up with friends and attend some semi-educational events to keep
your brain activity and maybe get a little head start on next semester’s work.
Go out with
your friends and talk about something other than school for a while. After
spending six weeks doing nothing but fast tracking your way through a ton of
work you may be surprised how hard it is to discuss something other than your
economics minor. But it’s definitely healthy. If all you can talk about is your
work load – you’re going to end up with fewer brunch dates!
But, if you’re
really struggling to pick up some conversation starters and you’re getting sick
of those delicious café brunches perhaps you should try your hand at some
resume building. Use an app like meetups to find a local volunteer group. You’d
be surprised how many opportunities are thrown about without a single campaign
on facebook. These apps give you exclusive access to the most exciting
volunteering opportunities.
But, if you’re
a little strapped for cash try doing some freelance work on Fiverr. It’s a popular way to
earn a little bit of cash to support your holiday adventures. You can work in
editing, writing, social media, blogging etc and then add your experience to
your resume – super simple! Alternatively, for five dollars you can have
anything done, from a hand drawn cartoon to a custom designed website – it’s
super easy.
4. Plan for your future academic endeavors
There’s
something special about looking forward to the next academic year. It’s hat we
used to do in primary school when the idea of learning was just as thrilling as
dozens of unscheduled days are to us now. Plan out what stationary you’re going
to get, the color schemes of your next study guides and look through some key
topics for your next semester.
Plus, don’t be
afraid to skim through the job offers of the firms/companies you’d like to work
for when you graduate. A lot of big companies have blogs which write excerpts
on what their new employees and interns are up to – this can help you gain some
insight into what the company looks for in a future employee.
5. Practice some hobbies
Of course you
should never neglect your extra curriculars! Take some time to invest yourself
in your current hobbies. Psychology suggests that the best day schedule
requires time reserved for creativity and relaxation. This is because, as much
as we may wish it was, your brain is not a machine. It requires alternative
outlets to be functional and operate at maximum capacity. Use these summer
hours to give yourself the rest and relaxation that is needed.
If you’re
looking for new hobbies to join in don’t be afraid to try out local classes,
events or watch some youtube tutorials to find out which hobbies you might like
to delve further in to. Hobbies can also be great opportunities for networking
and finding new friends.
Popular
activities like team sports and social groups can be great ways to connect with
new colleagues or to erode away some tension in an awkward job interview. Use
these experiences to your advantage and you won’t regret your summer hours.
Enjoy!
Lulu.
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