Can you believe it is week seven already! This means this semester is half over and it's time for midterms. This might be exciting for some, but most of you probably will be groaning into spring break. Still, there are ways to make this enormous pressure to go away. Even if it is for a short period.
One way to take your mind off of impending exams is to go outside and take a walk around the campus, even the Green Monster. Still, I highly recommend a warm jacket because it is still very cold outside. Still, taking a walk can take your mind off of the troubles of your life. It can distract you safely and healthily, that doesn't require a lot of screen time or those endless complaints from your best friend. Even when you do go on a walk, play some music while you walk. It can be any music that makes you feel "out of this world." That puts some imagination in your mind and makes you feel excited for life. Look at the lives of the animals around you. Imagine yourself as a squirrel, a duck, a cardinal, or a rabbit. Imagine yourself free and alive, not just a robot stuck to your computer all day. If you do feel lonely, invite a friend and just talk about life. I recommend that you don't talk about school work, because thinking about that will only bring back the pressure of the exams or homework due.
Still, if you want to spend a longer time outside but don't want to walk. I recommend you take a pen or pencil with a notebook, and just draw anything that you want. Almost similar to listening to music, let your mind lose with the sounds of nature around you. Draw the squirrels, the chipmunks, and the birds around you. Depending on the day, draw the clouds, the sun, or a plane flying past. One experience that I should share is going out at night, a clear night when there are no clouds in the sky. The moon at its fullest and the stars millions of miles away. Turn on music and just walk or relax, basking in the wonderful creation around you. Just take a breath, nature will fill your mind with imagination and freedom. It will make you at peace with the stresses of exams and reward you with a week of freedom. Good Luck with any exams/tests you have during the week. Have a great spring break and safe travels.
Stress is in my mind
Never goes away, making my spirit blind
However, when I go for a walk
The stress has no room to talk
Now, I feel free and can leave the pains behind
The peace, nature provides
Is as constant as ocean tides
As calm as the wind and rain
Forever loving, so I don't complain
In life, nature will always be my guide
It's so crazy that we are already halfway through this semester! I love your recommendation about ways to get outside and appreciate nature. With the weather getting so nice, I cannot wait to do my homework or read outside! As always, you did beautiful work with the poem.
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ReplyDeleteI'm with you it is crazy that the semester is halfway over, it doesn't feel real. I loved your recommendations and I think it is especially important to take brain breaks during intense weeks such as midterms, finals, etc. I personally need to follow this because I sometimes get overwhelmed with the amount of things I have to get done that I forget about my mental and physical well-being. Going for a walk or taking the time to be surrounded by the outside is a healthy way to take our mind off of stressful things. It has also been too cold to be outside for long periods of time but I am excited for spring and summer to come so I can sit in the grass or on the benches with my friends and do my homework engulfed by nature. Once again, your poems always make me smile. Have a great spring break and safe travels home!!
Hello Vincent, this post really captures the power of nature and its ability to help clear your mind, especially during stressful times like midterms. I love the idea of going for a walk and letting music or drawing take you away from the pressure. It’s a great reminder to slow down, appreciate the little things around us, and find peace even in the middle of chaos. Your poem at the end ties it all together perfectly!
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