Take Care of Your Health

We are halfway through the semester and a lot of us students are starting to feel burned out. Many of us have just finished midterms and are exhausted from cramming, pulling all-nighters, and the back-to-back deadlines. Studies mention that ruining your regular routine such as not eating all 3 meals, not getting enough sleep, and staying stationary for too long can lead to many health problems in the long run. This is a reminder that even though we are studying for those exams and meeting those deadlines, we need to stay active in both body and mind. Below are some tips to finish the semester strongly even as we begin getting more assignments in the second half of the semester.  

1. Stay Active  

It is during stressful times that you may need a breather. It is always great to distract yourself with a physical activity such as taking a 30-minute walk on the treadmill. One way I stay active during the semester is by playing badminton with my friends when we take our study break. Even by just playing for 15 minutes, my friends and I are energized again to continue studying. Visit one of the campus’ recreation centers on east or west campus for a fun way to distract yourself from the deadlines.  

2. Practice Self-Care  

Self-care can mean many things for people. Do what you believe is right for you and make time for self-care during the busy exam season. Some examples of self-care can be taking a nap, reading your favorite book, listening to music, or watching an episode of your current tv show. Visit the Wellness Center for more resources on self-care.  

3. Observe Yourself  

Studying for exams and meeting deadlines can sometimes make us forget who we are, and we begin to work like machines until the end of the semester. While it is important to work efficiently, it is also important to take care of how we feel on the inside too. When we are not in student-mode, many of us have other commitments that can become additional stress and eventually take a toll on us. This added stress can not only affect our academics, but also the way we interact with ourselves and others. If you are noticing that you are not feeling like yourself and are going through a tough time, seek guidance. UIC offers resources to help whatever situation you may be going through. Visit the Counseling Center for more information.