The "In Between Times"

My head was spinning. I looked down. It was long. It was hard. I closed my eyes and thought, too much, too soon. I looked up. I wanted so badly to blurt out “Do you mind if we wait just a few more weeks? I really don’t feel like I’m ready yet.”
Midterms. I can hardly believe we’re already there. Didn’t we just get our syllabi? Have we already finished February? Why is the spring semester sprinting by?
Here I am, one midterm down, four more to go. I am caught between wishing my midterms were over and not wanting the semester, one of my last at USD, to end.
In procrastinating for my first midterm, I spent a lot of time daydreaming of a midterm-less life. In this imaginary life, students take notes because they find the material interesting and applicable. In this imaginary life, professors laugh at the idea of a multiple-choice test. How could an answer fit into choices “A” through “E”? In this imaginary life, everyone participates in every class, engaging one another, doing all their reading because no one teacher assigns too much. In this imaginary life, it is humanly possible to complete all of your homework. Learning is cram-free, stress-free and tuition-free! We trade ideas for bread; especially good ideas are traded for jam.
I realize, of course, that if we ever do return to the roots of learning, it will not be in my lifetime, so I have to settle for the next best thing. Here’s how to make the most your midterms.
 According to the American Psychological Association, taking breaks will increase productivity, decrease stress and help maintain energy levels. During these breaks you should be sure to eat. Visit your favorite coffee shop. You can’t beat a chai and some WiFi at Babycakes on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. While you’re there, head over to the City Deli on Sixth and University, where you can eat breakfast at all hours of the day. And be sure to beef up on some protein to cure the ADD we all think we have. Eggs are good. Beans, especially chickpeas, lentils and soybeans, contain folate, which encourages the body to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Complex carbs found in fruits and whole grains are other important brain foods.
You can also try some yoga. Some of my favorite poses are very simple, consisting of simply lying on your back with your arms by your sides with your feet up against your behind, hip width apart. Lift your pelvis, keeping your upper back and head flat on the mat and breathe. According to Body and Soul magazine, this pose is one of the “depression-fighting, feel-good yoga” positions.
Music is another great way to prepare for midterms. My favorite background study music? Definetly some Bach cello suites performed by Yo-Yo Ma. A quick dance break with Ke$ha or Sia can be a great pick-me-up refresher.
Finally, take the time to watch the sunset. Not that many college students can say that they can see the ocean from their school. Head out behind the IPJ and watch the sunset. Remember how fortunate you are to be living on such a beautiful campus.
Whatever it is that you choose to do in between your midterms, remember that these are just exams. All too often grades affect how we feel about ourselves. This can lead to excessive stress and fruitless studying. It may be tempting to wish away our midterms, but I hope you will join me in making the most of this academically challenging time.