As Badgers, we are definitely familiar with the quote, “work hard, play hard.” Unfortunately, with exams coming up we are all going to be sitting in our dorm rooms, friends’ apartments, campus libraries or random coffee shops focusing on the “work hard” aspect of that phrase. Finals week can be the most stressful time of the year, and with summer right around the corner, it is nearly impossible to stay focused. However, before you drive yourself insane by imagining every possible dreadful scenario—failing your chemistry test, forgetting to turn in your English paper or running out of time to complete your history project—look here to find healthy ways to de-stress!
It is important to remember that you need to give yourself breaks. Studying for too long will not only make you restless, but you won’t retain all of the information. A great way to give your brain the break it needs is to exercise! Physical exercise, whether that means going for a walk along State Street or going for a two mile run throughout Madison, is one of the best ways to release your built up stress. To make your workout even better, don’t deprive yourself of the refreshing beautiful weather and do your exercise of choice outdoors.
Does the term “runners high” sound familiar? Exercise generates a release of endorphins (natural mood-enhancers) from your brain that will help take your mind off of school work or any obstacle you’re focused on. Exercising is the perfect way to release tension, anger or stress you have accumulated while at the same time getting in shape for swimsuit season. After staring at the same page in your textbook for hours on end, try some of the following ideas to ease your school-related woes a bit.
Indoors
Cyc: This is my personal favorite. Cyc is an indoor spinning studio that offers multiple 45 minute classes a day where you burn up to 800 calories. Bring some friends, exercise to great music and clear your mind before you go back to the books!
Kaivalya Yoga: What’s a better way to release some of your tension than taking a relaxing yoga class? Stretch your muscles, sculpt your body and get rid of all stressful thoughts by enrolling in any of the classes offered such as power flow, hot power flow or mad yogi flow. Take your pick!
The SERF or the NAT: Both of these recreational gyms are perfect places to go with friends who all want to do different activities. Between the huge weight rooms, swimming pools, indoor tracks and basketball courts, large cardio rooms and fitness studios, there are endless possibilities to relieve stress. Swimming is a great aerobic workout that uses your whole body and will give you the chance to ignore all your work. Or if you’re not a fan of swimming or static exercise machines, try one of the group classes offered such as core crunch, zumba or hip-hop!
The Natatorium, often referred to as the NAT, has a great indoor swimming pool where you can do laps or go for a dive. The NAT also offers access to the outdoor Perrier Paracourse Fitness Circuit and the lakeshore running path, two great places to enjoy the weather and get in shape.
Dance Fabulous Dancing: This is always a fun way to let loose and have fun. There is no pressure to be a professional or experienced dancer before trying out one of their classes. Give yourself a break from the library and laugh with some friends as you burn calories without even noticing!
Outdoors
Lakeshore Path: For all the runners out there, the lakeshore path is the best place to be. Even if you’re walking through it, the beautiful scenery will be sure to help you alleviate some anxiety. Choose this path for your next running excursion!
Madison B-Cycle: Rent a bike with some friends and ride to the capitol or down the lakeshore path to forget about studying. Pick up a bike from a variety of stations placed throughout Madison, give yourself an hour or two break, grab some food and then return the bike to any station you want. I can’t think of a more perfect study break!
Volleyball: Right outside of the Witte dorm, there’s a great volleyball court where you can toss around the ball just for fun. Grab a couple friends, put together a team and enjoy yourself before you head back to the library.
Finals week is definitely not the ideal “fun” way to end an amazing year at UW. Make it better by working in some exercise and enjoying the weather, even if it means just going for a walk. Use these tips to relieve some of your final’s week stress and to get in some quality time with your friends before you separate for the summer!
Want to join Jordyn in a game of volleyball this week? Email her at jasilverstei@wisc.edu to form a team and release your pent-up stress on a wicked spike or two.
