With finals approaching and dead week upon us, it has come to that time of the semester where students are cramming hours of studying into their busy schedules. But with grades and deadlines occupying our thoughts, we often forget to take a moment to breathe and take care of ourselves.
The last thing anyone wants before their final is to burn out, so here’s a list of pick-me-ups and study break ideas to get you through the week.
Take a walk
Moving outside is a great way to take a study break and enjoy the weather.
Graphic by Aidan Sara
A breath of fresh air is always helpful in clearing your mind, especially when you’ve been cramming it with endless amounts of information. While Portland’s current April weather isn’t ideal for taking a springtime stroll around the neighborhood, the lack of sunny weather might ensure that you go back inside sooner rather than later so that you don’t lose too much time studying.
Cook with your friends
When our schedules are packed we often forget to grab a good meal. Now more than ever is the worst time to skip out on eating breakfast, lunch or dinner. Setting aside time in your day to gather with your friends and cook a meal together not only makes the process of cooking way more fun, but it ensures that you have a full stomach to give you the energy to power through your study session. Try to incorporate brain foods into what you’re making to further enhance your study experience.
Go to a local coffee shop
Sometimes a change in scenery is all we need to have a productive studying session. Maybe the library isn’t cutting it for you anymore. Maybe the lighting in the Pilot House booths makes you feel sleepier than when you got there. Regardless, Portland is filled with cute coffee shops, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that fits the ambiance you’re looking for. Some close to campus options include Poises Cafe, Two Stroke Coffee, Sparrow Bakery, See See Motor Coffee, and Cathedral Coffee.
Hang out with some cats
The best part about going to school in Portland is that Purrington’s Cat Lounge is just around a 15 minute drive away. In my humble opinion, hanging out with some cats for 45 minutes is enough to get me through all my finals, but if dogs are more up your alley, odds are you’ll run into Sir Bentley somewhere around campus. This idea isn’t limited to just cats or dogs though, animals in general can help you reduce stress, so regardless of what your preference is, just make sure to give some love to your furry friends.
Janea Melido is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at melido24@up.edu.
