Longer days, melting snow and the end of this long… long winter gives a huge boost to our wellbeing. However… if puddle jumping and sunlight are not giving you joy this year, it could be due to stress. As we head into the final few weeks of term, exams and deadlines all add to the pressure. We have all experienced stress (especially these past two years) and have a few ideas that just might help…. Or at least provide a distraction. 🙂
#1 Get active – Take the stairs! Several of our locations have upper floors so avoid the elevator wait and take the climb. Or… hop onto one of our treadmill desks located at the Scott, Rutherford, Cameron and Augustana libraries. A walk and stretch anywhere can help to refocus your mind and fade away the day’s irritations.
#2 Meditate or try yoga – Quiet the jumbled thoughts with a few minutes of meditation or yoga. Check out this short video designed for air travel – no mat or ticket required!
#3 Laugh more – A good sense of humor is not a cure all but it can help – even if you have to force a laugh through your grumpiness. Between study sessions try reading a funny book, watch a comedy, or hang out and play games with your friends.
#4 Listen to or play music – Crank up the volume and let your mind be absorbed by music. Check this library guide with all the details on our UAlberta streaming databases.
#5 Hobbies – If music is not your thing, turn on the creative side of your brain. Try sewing, sketching, doodles or writing a journal. Focus on what you’re doing rather than what you think you should be doing.
#6 Eat a healthy diet – Too much caffeine and junk food? We have a couple of cookbooks for inspiration. Toaster oven bliss…
# 7 Be kind to yourself – If self-care measures just aren’t relieving your stress, you may need to look for reinforcements. The University of Alberta has resources that can help.
Sometimes the ambient noise of the library (or your own study space) is just not helping… One of our student colleagues suggested this website for the virtual café experience: I miss my café . What could be more soothing than listening to the hiss and drip drip of your favourite java/tea shop.
It might be helpful to know that mistakes, and failures, can be beneficial. Yes – really! We leave you with this thought provoking book of essays on the positive side of research mistakes: My biggest research mistake : adventures and misadventures in psychological research
Thanks for the read, and we look forward to seeing you next term! If you have any questions or need some help, please Ask Us! We would love to hear from you.