How to survive midterms: Self-care rituals everyone should practice

Midterms are stressful. Luckily, Barnard students have found a variety of unique ways to maintain balance and prioritize their self-care during midterm season.

Photography by Feride Cosar/The Barnard Bulletin

By Mia Cariati 

October 27, 2024

Midterms at Barnard are here, and in between intense studying sessions, students have developed effective ways of managing their stress. From practicing yoga to playing Roblox, Barnard students understand how important it is to find balance during this stressful season. Here are some self-care rituals you too can incorporate into your studying routine. 

Arts & Crafts

Many students find that artistic hobbies can provide both a convenient and creative break from academic stressors. Tia Zzanan (BC ‘28) uses makeup as a form of relaxation. “It can be really hard to find time for myself,” Zzanan said. “It feels like I have been spending so much time studying lately. When I do my makeup, I am the only thing I am focusing on. It's very relaxing, almost meditative.” 

Makeup is not the only form of artistic expression students can engage in. Other creative hobbies, like painting, scrapbooking, coloring, drawing, and knitting, can provide an opportunity to mentally distance yourself, at least momentarily, from academic stressors. If you are unsure where to get started, you can book a consultation with the Design Center. Their dedicated staff can help you get started with anything from jewelry making to weaving to 3D printing. 

Sweet Treats

Delicious food can also be an effective way to make your studying sessions more interesting. SEE will be giving out tasty treats every Tuesday for their “Together Tuesdays” event in the Diana Lobby. When students pick up their treat, they will also get the chance to spin a wheel and win a mystery prize. The desserts change every week, so make sure to go to every “Together Tuesday.” 

Many businesses near campus have also created fun fall treats which can be a great way to end a long day of studying. Gong Cha has released a pumpkin pie line of bubble tea, and Qahwah House has recently implemented their fall menu, which includes delicious items like a maple walnut latte and pumpkin cheesecake. Both of these businesses are within a ten minute walking distance from campus, meaning your study break doesn't have to take up all of your precious free time.

Gaming

Students have also developed some unconventional, though effective, self-care habits. When asked if she had any unusual self-care routines, Zzanan explained how important the online game Roblox is for her during the test-taking season. “After an exam, I will always find some time to play Roblox,” Zzanan said. “It’s like a reward for all the studying I put myself through.”

When asked what game is her favorite, Zzanan stated that she loves to play Dress to Impress with her friends. Dress to Impress is a Roblox game that has reached monumental success over the last few months due to its sleek graphics, competitive gameplay, and compelling fashion. “We always rate each other’s looks five stars. It's very fun, and I can be very competitive” Zzanan said. Roblox can be played on both your laptop and mobile device, making it an accessible break from studying that you can engage in with friends or by yourself.

Physical Activity 

Some students have a more traditional approach to self-care. “I like practicing yoga in my dorm,” Kathleen Yang (BC ‘28) said. “It’s a really good opportunity for me to just leave my schoolwork behind for a little bit.” 

Yoga can be very convenient, especially if you are short on time. As Yang explained, most of her yoga routines come from YouTube videos or TikTok clips and can be completed in less than 20 minutes. All she needs is a yoga mat and her phone. A towel or blanket could work too. 

Briana Moore (BC ‘28), has a fair load of responsibilities as both a student and a member of the Columbia Lions Archery Team. Moore also finds physical activity to be a major stress reliever. “Before a test I like to run,” Moore said. “It really relaxes me.” 

If you don’t want to work out alone, City Girls Who Walk is a sign-up free event that takes place every Sunday at Central Park. To partake, you simply show up at the Central Park West & 72nd Street entrance at noon. This event is a great way to make connections with other women while hiking through one of New York City’s most beautiful parks. FITBear classes are also a great opportunity to work out with your classmates. They are currently offering classes in yoga, total sculpt, barre, and cardio kickboxing which you can sign up for up to a week in advance.

If you are short on time or have an unpredictable schedule, Riverside Park and Morningside Park both have wonderful walking paths in addition to being less than 15 minutes from campus.

Friends & Family 

Some students find family connections to be invaluable during midterms. Being hundreds of miles away from home does not change this fact. Moore, who’s family is in Georgia, stated that “Before tests, I’ll always call my mom. We also study together over the phone—it’s what I am used to. It helps me feel more prepared.”

Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed by school, try calling up a family member for a quick chat. Stress can feel very isolating, so it is to be reminded that we are not alone. If none of your family members are available for a call, try writing them a letter or sending them a postcard. 

Family connections are not the only important bonds to rely on during testing season. It’s also important to hold your friends accountable during midterms. Encourage your friends to take breaks during their study sessions and get adequate sleep. Take some time out of your week to watch a movie with them, play Roblox on FaceTime, or bake cookies in your dorm floor’s lounge. 

Let your friends know that above all else, it's important to prioritize your well-being. As Zazzan stated, “Nothing is that important. Never sacrifice your mental health for a grade.”