Tips for a Healthy Midterm Season
Long hours at Norlin, copious amounts of coffee, cooling temperatures — Midterm season is upon us! As honors students, we know you are all working hard in your labs and recitations and lectures, but we are also here to tell you self-care is an essential practice of being successful! Your mind and body are your best friend, and treating them right will ensure you can devote energy to your studies in a productive, healthy way.
Here are some self-care tips you can sneak in between your study breaks:
1. Hydration
Drink as much water as possible to keep your body in balance and your energy stable. Many times we grab processed snacks when our body is just asking for water. Try decorating your water bottle with stickers to make it more fun, or maybe adding a reusable straw to sip with!
2. Healthy Fuel
If you find you are still looking for a boost of energy, munch on healthy food! Preparation is key here. If you know you won’t be home all day and have back-to-back classes and tests, plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, so food is one less thing you have to stress about. For snacks, try fruit or nut mixes. For meals, eating out as little as possible is better for your health and your wallet! Try wholesome sandwiches with complete proteins, like these ones from the blog Pick Up Limes.
3. Exercise
Moving your body is the perfect way to let off some steam, while also clearing your head so you can head back to the books with a renewed headspace. All it takes is about 30 minutes of movement, whether that be a walk around campus after lunch or a yoga session in your bedroom before you leave for class in the morning. Find what works for you, and prioritize it! Instead of taking 20 minutes to scroll through social media, take a breath of fresh air outside and walk — it can be as easy as that! Breaks are an efficient way to continue long study hours. If you’re looking for more intensity, be sure to check out the Rec Center fitness classes, or for more relaxation, check out clubs like the Yoga Club at CU!
4. Mindfulness
Staying in tune with your physical and mental state is a practice that should not be forgotten during stressful times. Find something you can do each day where you check in with yourself, and make it a habit. Some examples include journaling, reading for leisure, talking with a friend, or maybe eating your meals without distractions like TV or your phone.
Campus Offerings
This Wednesday, the Rec Center is hosting “Stay & Play Dog Cafe” in the lobby from 1-5 pm. Take a breather by playing with puppies and sipping warm, nourishing drinks, and maybe scan into the rec after since you’re already there! It’s a win-win!
CU also provides many services for students struggling with stress, or for those who are interested in learning more about health and wellness. Check out the CAPS’ (Counseling and Psychiatric Services) many workshops here, the Health Promotion Peer Wellness Coaching Program, and/or the SilverCloud Online Mental Health Program … free for all students!
Photo courtesy of Health and Wellness Services at the University of Colorado Boulder.