The week before spring break is, for many students, one of the longest weeks of the entire spring semester.
In the midst of midterms, with the sweet release of spring break just out of grasp, it can be tempting to become one of the many caffeinated zombies stumbling through campus.
Taking an hour or two a day for yourself to de-stress but can keep your mind and body fresh to take on exams.
Fun and games
Take a couple of hours off from studying with some events happening around campus and East Lansing.
UAB’s open mic night on Tuesday and cosmic bowling on Wednesday are free and great options for taking a few hours away from the books in favor of fun with friends and fellow students.
Suburban Ice of East Lansing offers public skate hours throughout the week for beginners and experts to work out some of their stress on the ice.
For those who want the exercise but are sick of the cold, Skate City Rink in Lansing is a venue for indoor roller skating and also offers arcade games for those who prefer a more laid-back experience.
Treating yourself
After weeks spent hunched over textbooks and study guides, take some time for yourself with a day out on the town.
Creative Wellness offers a multitude of massage and relaxation options, including shiatsu massage and aromatherapy. In addition to massage, clients can receive acupuncture and chiropractic treatments specifically designed to relieve stress.
At the Douglas J Aveda Institute, you can get facial treatments and alternative therapy options, including a specialized stress-relieving treatment that runs for $39.
Retail therapy is another great way to get your mind off of school. Hop on the CATA Route 1 bus to the Meridian Mall and spend some time in stores like H&M or Journeys.
While you’re there, catch a movie at Studio C or check out Planet Fitness to blow off some steam the old-fashioned, physical way.
Treating yourself (on a budget)
Put your books away for a bit and indulge in a nap in your own comfortable bed. Studies suggest that you get the most positive result if you nap between 10 and 20 minutes.
However, longer naps that stretch as long as an hour or an hour and a half can be beneficial for your memory. A full 90 minutes of sleep completes one REM cycle, and usually avoids grogginess upon waking.
Spotify has playlists for studying or taking a step back to ease your mind, including motivational ballads and chill tracks to relax to. If you’re sick of the persistent ads, Songza.com offers a similar service that’s mostly ad-free. The downside is a much more limited number of skips, and you can’t choose which songs you would like to hear next.
For cheap aromatherapy, light your own candles or burn some soothing incense. If you live in the dorms, splurge on diffusers or wax melts to fill your room with relaxing aromas.
