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By Kat Clark, Gradlife Ambassador

Today, the rough copy of my literature review chapter for my thesis was due. I knew I had been feeling stressed about the research, and the writing, and citing correctly, and basically the whole thing. It wasn’t until I hit send on the email that would take my Chapter 2 to my peer review partner that I realised just HOW stressed out I had been. I felt like the weight of a 1000 elephants and a kangaroo had been lifted off my shoulders; my sister will have some wonderful blackmail if she saved the crazy snapchat video I sent her of me dancing in celebration, that’s how happy I was. When I walked into my research course later that afternoon, I felt lighter than I had in days. My friends told me I looked stress-free, that I looked calm, and happier, and you know what? They were SO right. I couldn’t believe that the stress I was feeling had affected me so much that it had been showing up on my face (hello extra bags under the eyes and some pre-teen breaking out), it had been showing up in my body posture, and worst of all it had showed up in my personality even when I tried hard not to let it.

I’m aware that this lightness is a reprieve and that I will soon have to dive back into the workload of editing my chapter 2 rough copy, completing the small, everyday assignments that always seem to pile up, and getting started on chapters 1 and 3 of my thesis as they are coming down the pipeline. And though I have a hundred other things that will need doing shortly, I also know that I don’t want to become stressed again about all of it to the point that who I am changes. I loved the me I was today: participating in class, happy, light, and feeling wonderful about myself, my friends, and the world around me; I don’t want to not be that girl again, and I especially don’t want that girl to go away simply because I have a heavy workload.

As always when I have these kinds of “Aha!” moments of self-realisation, I know the checklist of things that will help keep me balanced and happy: practice mindfulness, do 10-15 minutes of yoga in the morning, eat well, take study breaks, indulge in a coffee every now and then, exercise, have a dance party, be organized, have a schedule, pet some cats. I KNOW all of this, but I also know that the reality of doing these things doesn’t always happen, so I need to find a way that I can study, get my thesis work done, and STILL be happy. There are tons of ways a person could do that, but today I’m going to share with you my favourite way to do that and it all goes back to location, location, location.

For me, a change of scenery and a little nosh goes a LONG way to keeping my heart happy when I’m in overdrive, so here’s a list of some of Toronto’s awesome cafes that will keep you studying, and smiling, even to the wee hours:

7 West Café

I’m NOT advocating that you stay up for 24hrs because that is definitely a mental health nono, but IF it happens, this is a great 24/7 place to be.

Balzacs

Ok, so it’s technically located on Ryerson’s campus, but how can you not love the quaint, “out-of-the-city” feel it gives you? Plus, they have drool-worthy pastries.

Future Bakery

If you don’t know Futures, you’re living under a rock or very, very new to Toronto. This bohemian, down-to-earth, to-die-for, all day breakfast (with a 20% student discount), unlimited perogies on Wednesdays, and some pitchers for Fridays is a must.

Snakes and Lattes

Side note, if both Snakes and Lattes are occupied, you can always head to Castle on Spadina, another lattes and board games kind of café; a rose by any other name and all that jazz. Coffee not your thing? You can always head to Bampot Bohemian House of Tea and Board Games (201 Harbord St.) instead; you’ll most likely find me here feeding my tea obsession.

Red Fish Blue Fish Creative Café

I first went here because there was as sign out front that urged me to try their unicorn poop cookie, so I went in and I did, and it was delicious. Also delicious is their Kawartha ice cream, lattes, and the fact that it is described as a “haven for mamas and their babies” (or papas, we don’t discriminate here!). So, if you’re a grad student with a wee one, this could be the spot for you! Or if you’re a grad student who likes unicorn poop cookies.

The Common

I haven’t been but I want to because it seems cool and trendy in that hipster sort of way that also makes me feel like maybe my hat is too modern for me to go in, you know? I think their reputation for a pretty good cup of joe will draw me in very, very soon, modern hat and all.

Tot Café

For those not in the know, I just recently got back from living in Korea where my happy place was a cat café. Every time I was sad, mad, happy, it was my birthday, it was a Monday, it was Wednesday, I went to a cat café. I’m over-the-moon that there is one in Toronto now! Best to go at non-peak hours though, otherwise you’ll be waiting in a line to see the cuties.

There are TONS of other great cafes in the area that I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention, but all of the above will definitely help you find a change of scenery and a place of zen when your thesis has you feeling like you’re stuck on the “Hyde” persona of your personality. Happy studying, and don’t forget to turn your frown upside down every now and then!