Written by Jenna McConnell

Thumbnail and banner photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

As the weather brightens and the comfort and relaxation of summer break creeps closer, there is but one thing on university students' minds across the province: exams. The dreaded weeks are almost upon us, and I think I speak for us all when I say that it is not something to look forward to. The endless studying and late nights finishing last-minute assignments can (and most likely will) lead to great amounts of stress and fatigue. This deadly combo is never fun, and can have greatly negative effects on both mood and academic performance. As this is something no one wants, students will begin to pull from their personal bag of tricks to cope and get through this busy time, whatever the mechanism may be. However, these may not always work. Below are some lesser-known tips to help remedy the exhaustion that exam season brings, and some fun places around Halifax that are recommended for some fun when in need of a break.

Remember to eat and drink lots of water

While this may sound obvious, it is not uncommon for students to forgo meals or forget to grab a glass of water in lieu of hitting the books. This will seem like a good idea at the time, but trust me when I say it is not worth the extra scrap of study time. Nutrition and hydration are vastly important, not just for our physical health but also for our cognitive function. Making sure to nourish your body is a great way of helping you study efficiently and be mentally sharp for your exams. As well, it provides vital breaks that will help you relax and stay sane.

Distract yourself when overwhelmed

With all the work that has inevitably piled up over the semester, students are bound to feel a little overwhelmed by it all. This is completely normal and understandable, but it is a nuisance when it gets to crunch time. One thing you can do to combat this is simply to provide your mind with a distraction when a task feels like too much. Whether that be working on something else for a while, taking a break to do something relaxing, or venting out your frustrations to a willing ear, taking a moment away from the stressful situation will help you refocus. Sometimes you need a legitimate break, but at other times, it will help to switch tasks and work on other things! Either way, finding something else to put your mind to when you feel stressed is a great way of protecting yourself and your mental health.

Avoid overcommitting and learn to say no

When we say yes to every opportunity and request that comes our way, one tends to find that the proverbial plate is overflowing. While it is admirable to want to try many different things, we can only do so much. Sometimes we are simply too busy, or too tired to take on extra responsibilities, and that is completely okay. Giving yourself the ability to assess and recognize your limits, and say no to certain activities will help greatly in ways you may not realize. Prioritizing yourself and your mental health is vital, and it is something that will be a useful habit in other areas of our lives as well.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on places to go during these break times, look no further! There are endless beautiful spots and activities around our city that will offer much-needed rest and relaxation. Listed below are just a few great options:

Take a walk around Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Dr.)

A classic for a reason, Point Pleasant Park’s gorgeous landscape is a perfect spot for some fresh air and exercise! Walking through the trees on the walking trails, and around the beautiful lake will clear your mind in the best possible way. This picturesque park, created in 1866, was the site of multiple artillery battles. You can visit the ruins even today, and in the summer, it plays host to Shakespeare by the Sea, an annual production of plays by the English playwright. It is completely free, and very accessible to SMUdents; only a short 15-minute walk from campus! The fresh air and sunshine are truly rejuvenating, and a great way to stay healthy and happy!

Rage Room Halifax (2820 Isleville Street)

What better way to destress than to break stuff? A relatively new business, Rage Room Halifax offers a fun and safe way to let loose all the frustration and anger that life brings along. There are packages for every budget and person, whether it be alone, with a partner, or a group of friends! It is also relatively close to SMU, at only a 10-15 minute drive. With a variety of old appliances, electronics, and other breakable objects to destroy, it proves a smashing good time.

Captured Escape Room (Barrington Street)

Another fun way to relieve stress and get out of the house, escape rooms such as Captured Escape Room provide a fun challenge. Whether alone, with a partner, or with your entire friend group, solving the mysteries and riddles to escape the situation you’ve been thrown into is sure to put you to the test. There are many other sites to visit around the city, making it easily accessible to SMUdents. It offers a night out and a fun break from the monotony of studying, while still exercising your brain! What could be better?

Exam season is rough on us all. It leaves our proverbial plates ridiculously full, with final projects, presentations, and the final exams themselves all occurring in quick succession. Balancing all of these alongside other commitments like jobs, volunteering, and other extracurriculars can leave a person feeling majorly burnt out. Give yourself the grace and understanding you would any other person; you’re working just as hard! And if that seems too hard at the moment, just know that the end is near, and the summer sun will be calling our names before we know it.

Exam Season: Ways to Destress