It’s that time of year again for University students. Midterm and final exams are closing in, senior thesis deadlines are on the horizon and summer internships are on the hunt for a new crop of hungry professionals. Not to mention, we are all stuck at home, self-isolating as a way to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic; this might begin to feel like one long spring break.

With so many finish lines in sight, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life without making time to slow down. However, with spring break coming up it is the perfect time to de-stress and recuperate before taking on the rest of the semester. Luckily, University students have compiled a complete list of stress relievers for everyone hoping to come back from quarantine refreshed and recharged.

One of the best ways to de-stress is to simply catch up on sleep and exercise. During exam season, it can be so easy to fall into unhealthy routines that can leave one sleep-deprived and in a bad mental health state. A study by Time Magazine reports that sleep habits explain 25 percent of a student’s academic performance. Consistency is key when it comes to catching z’s so students should take some time over spring break to update their sleep schedules and hit the hay a little earlier than 3 a.m.

Exercise is another great way to take the mind off of those long to-do lists that often accompany the spring semester. Students will benefit from giving their physical health a little extra attention as it will help combat stress and any sickness that might attack a weakened immune system. Many University students turn to yoga or pilates as a form of exercise because it’s a great way to clear the mind of toxic thoughts and patterns while also helping to connect with oneself. University sophomore Zeal Patel said, “I love to do yoga especially when I’m stressed out. I always leave feeling so relaxed and ready to take on the mountain of homework I have waiting at home.” For those who aren’t fans of spiritual discipline as a form of exercise, a simple jog or a quick cardio routine are still great ways to stay active and maintain a balanced life.

For some students, a relaxing spa day is the best way to spend self-isolation. It is often said that self-care is essential to professional, academic, and individual success. Practicing self-care could be something as simple as taking fifteen minutes a day to do some deep breathing and reflecting, but since it’s spring break a full day of pampering is more than necessary. University senior Victoria Buzzanca said, “My favorite thing to do over spring break is put on a facemask, snuggle up in my robe, and spend the day watching movies.” Sometimes, the only way to recuperate from weeks of hard work is to completely separate from the subject. It can be incredibly overwhelming to put so much energy into one thing without a break so spending some time removed from the constant stress is important to one’s future productivity.

Anyone looking to escape the harsh realities and anxieties of second semester should look no further than the pages of a good book. Studies have shown that not only does reading reduce stress, it also boosts intelligence and brain activity. Perfect for go-getters who don’t like to slow down, reading offers relaxation while also keeping the brain cells busy during the week-long break. University sophomore Becca Ambrose said, “Usually during spring break, I like to crack open a good historical fiction novel. I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to school so reading really helps relieve the stress and keeps me from overworking myself.” Of course, reading isn’t the only way to reduce stress; there are plenty of other ways to quiet the mind that don’t involve as much time and commitment. The most important thing is that students find what suits there relaxation style best whether that be reading, singing, dancing or anything that helps them connect to a more tranquil mindset.
Although the spring semester is one of the most stressful times of the school year, it is important to remember that the pressure is only temporary and the hard work is paying off. With this list in mind University students are sure to have a rejuvenating spring break and an even better exam season.