De-stress for Success

It’s that time of year again: midterms! If there’s one thing I’ve learnt during my time in university, it's that taking breaks during studying is crucial to your success. To de-stress, I prefer to get out of my study space. This way, I separate myself from my notes and am able to take in a fresh environment. These are some of my favourite ways to de-stress during midterms. Explore Toronto One of the greatest things about attending the University of Toronto is that we’re located in the middle of a fantastic city! We’ve got outstanding parks, a vast waterfront, plenty of great places to eat, world-class events, and more. These are all fantastic options to de-stress! During midterm season, I love taking an hour or two off to explore Toronto. The other day, I decided to venture to the lakefront with my friend and take in the sights of Lake Ontario. Walking along the boardwalk on a weekday afternoon, I was actually able to enjoy my time off instead of worrying for a change!

Explore Campus Of course, you can stay on campus for a shorter trip. After a few hours of studying in the library, I sometimes like to go on a mini adventure and take in the sights of campus. If you haven’t already, check out Philosopher’s Walk between Trinity College and the Faculties of Music and Law. With its winding path, it’s a great way to get some fresh air while studying on campus. Even if you don't have time to do a lot, finding a green space across campus is never very hard, and it's worth it to take in some fresh air.  

Attend a Fitness Class If you want to get out of that desk chair and get moving, try out a class at Hart House, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport or the Athletic Centre. I’ve attended a yoga class at Goldring before and it was a fantastic experience... and it was free for students! Many of the programs are covered by your student fees, so take advantage of them. I loved the yoga class for being a great combination of movement, relaxation, and meditation. It’s beneficial for your health as well! I also enjoy the drop-in classes because they’re usually only an hour or so: I can take a well-deserved break without leaving my studying for too long! For a schedule of fitness classes at Hart House, check out http://harthouse.ca/fitness/drop-in-fitness/. For a schedule of classes at Goldring or the Athletic Centre, check out https://kpe.utoronto.ca/sport-and-fitness/group-fitness-drop. Whether it’s a quick stroll on campus or an adventure downtown, I’ll definitely be taking some breaks over the next few weeks of midterms. Give yourself a well-deserved break and study smart (and not forever). Good luck!