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The few weeks between spring break and summer break can be a stressful time for many students because of various assignments and exams. But try some of these healthy tips to stay relaxed and healthy. Photo/ MCT
Aside from mandatory readings and papers, you’ve probably had some time to unwind during spring break. Just because you’re back in school mode doesn’t mean you should stop taking care of yourself, especially since this is the second semester of the year. To prevent your body and brain from burning out, here are a few tips.
1. Eat breakfast every day.
Since it’s the most important meal of the day, eating a decently sized breakfast will give you the energy you need to start your day off positively.
2. Drink plenty of water.
You can never drink enough water. If you’re healthy you should drink plenty of water, and if you’re sick drink even more. Doing so will help flush out the toxins in your body.
3. Exercise.
Yoga, going on walks and taking scheduled trips to the gym are just a few ways to exercise.
4. Visit nature.
Even though we live in a city, there is a lot of greenery to look at. Being surrounded by nature can help a person unwind. The campus Botanical Gardens are just a short walk, while Freedom Park is a 30-minute drive. If you feel like venturing further out into the wilderness, visiting some trails or spotting deer, Lake Norman State Park is a great place to go.
5. Meditate or pray before you go to bed.
This will help take a few things off your mind, help calm you down and hopefully will make it less likely that you’ll stay up all night.
6. Don’t forget to take your vitamins.
If you hate the taste of vitamin pills, buy adult gummy vitamins instead. It’s a free pass to eat some candy every day.
7. Keep track of your medication.
If you take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, make sure you have enough pills so that you don’t end up going a weekend without them. When you’re down to five pills and you have no more refills left, it’s time to call your doctor to renew your prescription.
8. Take advantage of counseling services.
There’s no shame in seeing a therapist. Going to one can help you find solutions to dealing with your issues and offer outside perspectives. And if you are a UNC Charlotte student, services are free. Counseling services also offers group sessions that teach you how to deal with stress.
9. Write down symptoms.
When you notice strange symptoms, such as unusual fatigue, a series of migraines or stomachaches or even persistent mood swings, it’s a good idea to write it down. Taking notes for your doctor will help you get more out of your once-a-year check-ups and can increase the chances of you getting the help you need before it’s too late.
10. Grow a plant from seed.
There is something cathartic about growing your own plants. And there’s something even more rewarding about growing a plant that also happens to be edible. Basil is one of many types of plants that flourish in North Carolina weather. It doesn’t need a whole lot of space to grow and tastes great on a multitude of dishes from pizza to Chinese stir fry noodles to iced tea.
11. Give yourself a break.
Sometime each week, perhaps every Saturday night or Sunday afternoon, you should reserve time for yourself to just relax, whether it’s for one hour or three hours. Go watch a free movie on campus, learn how to cook something, play video games or read a book for fun.