I am UIC: Ease your way through a hectic semester

Try to exercise during the week and stay hydrated.

It’s week five, we are definitely back in the college routine — 8 a.m. classes, long shifts at work, student organizations, internships, essays, group projects, and the list can go on and on.

Although every semester has something innovative to offer, such as new knowledge, opportunities for professional and personal growth, and memorable experiences, there is no denying that it is also very overwhelming. The semester is often accompanied by countless all-nighters, a fair amount of multitasking, headaches, stress, fatigue, and large doses of caffeine.

If you often find yourself struggling to gather sufficient energy throughout the semester or simply trying to find more moments of tranquility here’s what you can do:

• Try to get eight hours of sleep — or at least six.
• Improve your time-management skills by investing in a planner. Organize your day or whole week. Organization is key.
• Make sure you’re consuming a fair amount of greens, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy foods that carry the important nutrients that fuel our bodies.
• Dedicate a few minutes of your day to stretching or pick up on some yoga. There are several videos for beginners on YouTube.
• Find an ASMR ( Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) video on YouTube that you find relaxing.
• Make some time to socialize with your friends and family in person, even if it’s only for 20 minutes. They are sure to make you laugh.
• Stay away from your smartphone! I know this can be a bit difficult. Our smartphones are the way we stay connected with our friends and the rest of the world, but sometimes it’s good to disconnect. Let your eyes rest a little.
• Get lost in the pages of your favorite novel. Our brains need a little break from scholarly articles and research.
• Try to incorporate exercise routines throughout your week and stay hydrated.

Michelle García De La Vega is a senior double majoring in communications and Spanish. Among the things she loves doing most are drinking coffee and laughing. The moments she appreciates most in life involve family, friends, music, warm weather and experiential learning. Her goal is to travel someplace new every year and she aspires to one day be a conduit of news for her community.