[caption id="attachment_1591" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Photograph by Micah Hancock[/caption]
Katelyn S. Irons, Staff Writer/Copy Editor
Dead week can create a zombie out of even the strongest students. Don't let studying for exams kill your soul. Blowing off steam can help rejuvenate your brain to take in more information later. Try taking a break before your eyes glaze over.
1. Go to the gym: Work off that winter blubber that your body has started to pack on to keep you warm. Put on an extra scarf instead. It will make you look like a hipster instead of just out of shape. Going to the gym can also help improve cognitive abilities and test performance
2. Get snacks with friends: If you feel like ignoring the above advice, take a break from studying and get a midday or midnight snack with some friends. Use this time to rest your brain and rejuvenate with much needed refreshments. Just remember if you take a trip out for a polar pop, keep the caffeine to a minimum. It can put a dent in your test preparation.
3. Hit the sack: Do a faceplant into your pillow, and catch up on your sleep. Let your brain recuperate from all that stress. Don't over do it though. Too much sleep can get your REM sleep cycle off track and mess you up when it's time for exams.
4. Shop: When all else fails to destress, take some friends to the mall or shop online for Christmas gifts for your friends and family. Your Christmas cheer will frighten away any last bit of stress you may have. Just remember to look for deals, and don't blow all your money.
5. Get Outside: Have a snowball fight with some friends. Take a friend for a walk. Just avoid the Loop if you don't want any more stress.
6. Bored? Board!: Rewind your mind to better days, and play some low-tech board games. Relax your brain with some easy games. Find some friends, and venture over to the Union, or set up on a table in the DC near the fireplace. The point is forget about exams for a few minutes!
7. I want to go see that!: How many times have you heard of a movie in theaters that you have wanted to see or couldn't? Or have you had to run out of the room screaming when friends start spilling spoilers from the latest season of your favorite show? Take a 30 minute to 2 hour break and catch up. Just make sure you manage your time, and only allow yourself so much.
8. Open House: Haven't been open-housing in a while? Catch one of the Christmas themed open-houses going on throughout this upcoming week.
Whatever you do, take a break and take a rest. Your grades will thank you for it if you do it in moderation. And your roommate will thank you for it when he or she finds out you're not a zombie.
