With midterms over and many of us beginning final projects, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and lose motivation from working so hard, especially as Honors students. Here are some of my tips on how to not feel so stressed and bring back your energy to end the semester strongly!
Make a yummy treat for yourself.
There’s nothing like treating yourself after studying for a hard exam or writing an essay. My roommates and I have been trying to find the best comfort food, and our recent favorite has been buffalo chicken dip. As soon as it comes out of the oven, it’s gone in an instant. Here’s the recipe we’ve been making if you want to give it a try yourself!
Ingredients: Two 8 oz cream cheese packages (softened), ¾ cup of Frank’s RedHot buffalo wing sauce, 1 cup of ranch, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Stir together cream cheese and buffalo sauce (make sure it’s well blended).
- Add in ranch dressing, chicken, and cheese; then mix.
- Pour into a baking dish.
- Add an extra layer of cheese on the top.
- Put in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Done! Eat with your favorite kind of dipper (tortilla chips, vegetables, anything you want)!
Spend some quality time with the ones you love.
Right now, being in the midst of a global pandemic, it may feel hard to connect with others, especially with everyone not being on campus at this moment. Personally, I am having a hard time being so far from my family for so long, as they’re all back in Seattle, and I’m in Newark. However, because of social distancing, there have been many unique and clever ways that I’ve thought of to bring people together virtually. I recommend downloading Netflix Party, a browser extension that allows you to watch the same movie with others synchronously and chat. I have been using this to watch Gossip Girl and cheesy rom-coms with my friends from back home. Even though it may not feel the same, there’s nothing like taking a break from studying to laugh with friends and family to make you feel better.
Have a self-care day.
It sometimes feels hard to take a day off, especially when your assignments and exams all pile up on top of you. Even if it is difficult to get away from your laptop and not think about school for a while, the best way to recuperate after feeling burned out is to spend some time on yourself. Do what makes you feel the best, whether that is taking a long, hot bath, going on a walk, or reading a good book! Personally, when I start to get overwhelmed and stressed, my roommates and I go for a walk at the Newark Reservoir to get some fresh air. When I get back, I usually curl up with a nice cup of green tea and a new book. Recently, I completed The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (which I highly recommend)! No matter what activity you choose, make sure you focus on what you need, rather than what you need to be doing.
Remember what you’re working for.
Whatever the reason you’re feeling burned out and uninspired, think about what you are studying for. Remember the reason you went to college and the dreams you want to accomplish. Things may be difficult right now, but imagine the feeling of you finally standing on stage with that degree or getting your dream job. How good will it feel when everything you are doing pays off? In the words of Babe Ruth, “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up”. So, continue working your hardest, and when it seems hard to continue, remember why you are doing this and imagine your future.
Photo Credit: https://blog.advancementcourses.com/articles/tips-overcoming-teacher-burnout/
